Police Seize P10.5M Smuggled Cigarettes in Batangas: Five Arrested
In a significant operation on August 30, police authorities in Balayan, Batangas, confiscated smuggled cigarettes worth a staggering P10.5 million. The successful operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals suspected of engaging in cigarette smuggling. The Regional Special Operations Unit 4-A, in conjunction with the Balayan Municipal Police Station, Batangas Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), collaborated to execute the operation diligently.
The identified suspects – Benigno Alvarez, Modesto Eronico, Efren Eronico, Mark Joseph Cardinal, and Kevin Renz Benedict de Villa – were apprehended and are currently detained at the Balayan Municipal Police Station. The team responsible for the operation recovered 701 boxes of New Orleans and H&P cigarettes, which are valued at approximately P15,000 per box. Additionally, they also seized the buy-bust money used in the operation.
Police Brigadier General Carlito Gaces, the director of Police Regional Office 4-A, emphasized that this operation was part of their ongoing campaign to combat illegal activities and criminality in the Calabarzon area, which encompasses Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon. By eradicating illicit activities like cigarette smuggling, the police force aims to protect the interests of investors and bolster the economy.
The commitment of the PRO-4 is evident in their resolute efforts to curb illegal activities and safeguard the financial realm of the region. The successful operation further underscores their dedication to combat smuggling and the negative repercussions it poses on society.
While the suspects await the filing of appropriate charges, the police force’s swift action in apprehending them sends a strong message to other potential smugglers. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are actively working to dismantle illicit operations and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the nation.
The seizure of such a significant quantity of smuggled cigarettes is a major victory in the ongoing battle against illegal activities. It not only aims to thwart the illicit cigarette trade but also to protect public health by ensuring the availability of legitimate and regulated tobacco products.
Going forward, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to continue their vigilance and maintain their commitment to combating smuggling and other illegal activities. By upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the interests of investors, the police force takes a significant step in fostering a secure environment conducive to economic growth and stability.
The seizure of P10.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes serves as a stark reminder that illegal operations will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be brought to justice. Through continued collaborations and similar enforcement actions, law enforcement agencies aim to preserve the rule of law and protect the well-being of the Filipino people.
