In a significant crackdown on smuggling, law enforcement officials in Albay successfully intercepted and seized smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP21.2 million. The operation, which took place in the waters off Barangay Marigondon in Pio Duran, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals involved in the illicit trade. The haul included 18,850 reams or 377 boxes of various imported cigarette brands, alongside a motorized boat named ‘Susie’, equipped with a Mitsubishi 4D31 engine, valued at PHP400,000. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib from the Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) reported that the operation occurred on November 21. The confiscated items were promptly handed over to the Bureau of Customs for further processing and legal action. The arrested suspects now face charges under Sections 117 and 1113(a) and (f) of Republic Act 10863, known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in conjunction with regulations set forth by Executive Order 245 concerning the exportation and importation of tobacco products.
