ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: A businessman was arrested, and over PHP1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized during a law enforcement operation in Zamboanga del Norte, police announced Thursday. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, director of the Police Regional Office in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO 9), identified the suspect as Edgardo Garao, a resident of Barangay New Lebangon, Polanco town. Garao was apprehended on Wednesday while allegedly selling cigarettes that violated Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The operation led to the seizure of assorted brands of cigarettes valued at PHP1,022,929, as estimated based on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) standard price for smuggled tobacco products. Garao and the confiscated cigarettes have been placed under the custody of the Polanco Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper disposition.
This seizure marks the second-largest haul of smuggled cigarettes in the region this month. On December 3, regional police, in coordination with the BOC, arrested a 25-year-old laborer and confiscated PHP15.3 million worth of illegal cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities continue to intensify their operations to curb smuggling activities in the area.
