P900K SMUGGLED CIGARETTES SEIZED FROM 2 MEN AT PAMPANGA CHECKPOINT

BY KEVIN GALANG

POLICE on Wednesday arrested two men following the confiscation of some P900,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Bgy. Mapalad, Arayat, Pampanga.

In a report to Police Regional Office (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Pampanga police director Col. Jay Dimaandal identified the arrested suspects as alias “Reyes,” 32, of Bgy. Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga; and alias “Paco,” 28,  of Bgy. Durungao, San Luis, Batangas.

An investigation showed that the suspects’ vehicle was flagged down at a Comelec checkpoint in Bgy. Mapalad, Arayat, Pampanga.

However, instead of pulling over, the suspects sped off towards Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.

The Arayat police gave chase and cornered the duo.

Found inside the suspects’ vehicle were 60 boxes of cigarettes valued at  P900,000.

The white Nissan NV350 Urvan with plate number CAU7953 was impounded by the police.

Authorities arrested the suspects after they failed to show  proper documents for the boxes of cigarettes.

The confiscated smuggled cigarettes and the suspects are in the custody of the police.

Cases for violations of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines,  Republic Act  1937 or the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, and resistance and disobedience to an  an agent/person in authority were filed against the arrested suspects.