STING NETS WOMAN, P1.68-M SMUGGLED CIGARETTES IN BATAAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — A 58-year-old woman on Sunday was arrested while more than P1.68 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes was seized in  a buy-bust operation in Orion, Bataan.

The woman was caught while selling five master cases of RGD cigarettes to an undercover in exchange for P11,500 in marked money at Sitio Araro in Bgy. San Vicente in Orion.

The entrapment was led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Bataan Police Provincial Office (BPPO), in coordination with the Orion police, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Authorities recovered a total of seven master cases of RGD cigarettes and 20 master cases of Modern cigarettes with an estimated value of P1,687,500.

Marking and inventory of the seized items were conducted on-site in the presence of BOC representatives to ensure transparency and proper procedure.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez commended the operating units, emphasizing that the successful operation supports the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling.

Mendez said the operation aligns with the directive of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla to strengthen inter-agency coordination and intensify enforcement efforts against illicit trade.

The Central Luzon top cop added that the accomplishment is also in line with the focused agenda of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to enhance police operations and ensure public safety.

“We will continue to pursue individuals involved in illegal trade and ensure that the law is enforced without fear or favor. We remain committed to delivering fast, honest, and felt public service,” Mendez said.