P28-M Smuggled Cigarettes Seized in Cavite; 2 Foreign Nationals Arrested

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — Authorities seized an estimated P28 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two foreign nationals in a police-led buy-bust operation Monday afternoon in Barangay Hugo Perez.

Police identified the suspects by their aliases: “Jamir,” 32, a resident of Barangay Milagrosa in Carmona, Cavite; and “Zhang,” 52, a Chinese national living in Barangay Hugo Perez.

The operation was conducted around 3:20 p.m. by the Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU)-4A, in coordination with the Trece Martires City Police, Bureau of Customs led by Intelligence Officer III Troy S. Tan, and Revenue District Office 9A (CABAMIRO) under Atty. Karl Cabili.

Authorities launched the sting after confirming the presence of smuggled cigarettes in the area.

The suspects were apprehended while riding a white Toyota Hi-Ace van, which was accompanied by five other vans allegedly used to transport the contraband.

Confiscated items included P1.4 million in suspected sales proceeds, 800 master cases of assorted imported cigarettes, cellphones believed to have been used in transactions, identification cards, a black sling bag, bank transaction receipts, and vehicle keys.

Charges are being prepared against the suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law.