P1.6M ILLICIT CIGARETTES SEIZED FROM ELDERLY MAN IN BATAAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

PILAR, Bataan — Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly selling illicit tobacco products in this municipality.

According to CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 chief Col. Grant Gollod, nabbed was alias  “Bautista,” a resident of Bgy. Wakas South, Pilar.

Alias “Bautista” was arrested in Bgy. Diwa by operatives of the CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit (PFU), along with the elements of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Bataan police.

Gollod said the operation was conducted under “Oplan Megashopper” following reports from a CIDG informant on the suspect’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of untaxed and unregistered cigarette brands.

Seized were 42 master cases of Carnival cigarettes worth approximately P735,000; 50 master cases of Golden Bird cigarettes worth around  P875,000, with the confiscated items totalling P1,610,000, and the boodle and marked money.

The arrested suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.