Besao, Mountain Province – Philippine police confiscated smuggled cigarette products with a total tax liability of ₱850,124.49 and arrested a 33-year-old Indian national during an anti-smuggling operation in Besao, Mountain Province, on May 12, authorities said. The operation led to the recovery of imported cigarette products that allegedly lacked proper tax papers and proof of lawful importation.
According to a statement from the Philippine National Police, the operation was carried out by police units working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue as part of a broader crackdown on cigarette smuggling and other economic offenses.
Seized Products and Alleged Violations
Police said the suspect is facing alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Republic Act No. 10963, also known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.
Authorities reported that the seized items included 82 reams of imported cigarettes in red variant, 15 reams in light variant, and 10 packs of assorted imported cigarette products. Investigators said the items did not have the required tax documentation and lawful importation papers.
An on-site inventory of the recovered products was conducted in the presence of barangay officials from Barangay Kin-iway. After the inventory, the suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Besao Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Joint Operation With BIR
The PNP said the operation was conducted through the joint efforts of local and regional police units in coordination with the BIR. Authorities linked the enforcement action to ongoing efforts to stop illegal cigarette trading, which they said affects government revenue collection and undermines lawful businesses.
PNP chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said illegal cigarette trading weakens state revenue and supports unlawful business activities that hurt legitimate industries and consumers. He said the PNP would continue to intensify operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage in support of national law enforcement efforts.
Nartatez also issued a warning to those involved in smuggling and illegal trade, saying they will be held accountable under the law. He said the PNP would continue enforcing the law to protect the public.
Continuing Anti-Smuggling Drive
The PNP said the operation supports its focused agenda on enhanced police operations against smuggling, illegal trade, and other criminal activity that threaten economic security and public order. It also forms part of the agency’s continuing campaign under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Philippine National Police is the country’s national law enforcement agency tasked with maintaining peace and order and enforcing the law nationwide.
For media inquiries: Philippine National Police, +63 2 8723 0401, pnp.pio@gmail.com