Police have seized P20 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects during a joint operation with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Mandaue City.
In a news release Sunday, Police Regional Office-Central Visayas chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the operation conducted on March 26 following a request by the BIR for police assistance.
The operatives swooped down on warehouses in Espina Compound, Sitio Sta. Cruz and A.S. Fortuna Extension corner A. Del Rosario Street, all in Barangay Guizo.
Seized during the operation were 334 cases and 167,765 packs of untaxed cigarettes, along with additional five boxes containing 2,500 packs, with an aggregate estimated value of approximately P20.4 million.
“This operation decisively addresses the escalating threat of smuggling, which undermines legitimate businesses and poses a serious risk to public health. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and strengthening the integrity of our economy,” the statement read.
The suspects and seized evidence were turned over to the Regional Special Project Unit 7 for proper disposition and filing of criminal charges and under Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.