Dagupan city: Authorities confiscated over PHP1.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on Saturday. The suspects, both drivers, are a 36-year-old from Caloocan City and a 35-year-old from Villasis town. They were apprehended in an entrapment in Barangay Bonuan Binloc.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Dagupan City Police Office reported that the authorities pursued verified information indicating the suspects were involved in delivering and selling smuggled cigarettes in Dagupan City and nearby areas. During the entrapment operation, the suspects admitted that the cigarettes were smuggled and that they sold them at lower prices.

Prior to the arrest, operatives posed as buyers and arranged a controlled delivery of two boxes of cigarettes worth PHP56,000, which led to the confiscation of 26 more boxes. "All the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs as evidence in filing appropriate charges," the report stated.

Ilocos Police Regional Office Director Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes commented that the success of this operation reflects their strong commitment to stopping illegal activities in their jurisdiction. "We acknowledge that smuggling is a national challenge that weakens the economy, hence we are here to stop the supply chain of smuggling," Reyes said in a statement.