Suspect in handcuffs graphics. INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — A police officer and his cohort were arrested in Zamboanga del Sur after being found with over P500,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
According to the CIDG, its operatives, in collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Health (DOH), conducted a sting operation in Barangay Culo, Molave on July 4.
During the operation, authorities identified and apprehended Police Corporal Ladja Abdul Michael Taulani, 36, and Brown Edward Aquino Charlies, 28, who were caught selling smuggled cigarettes to an undercover police officer.
The arrest followed information received by the CIDG field unit regarding Taulani and his associates’ illicit activities in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.
Confiscated from the suspects were 16 cases of Astro (Red) cigarettes worth P560,000, a pistol with two magazine assemblies and 25 rounds of ammunition, two cars, and marked peso bills.
The suspects and the seized items were brought to the CIDG Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Field Unit for documentation and proper disposition.
A formal complaint for violation of Republic Act 8434, or the “Tax Reform Act of 1997,” and Republic Act 10643, or the “Health Graphic Warning Law,” will be filed against the suspects at the province’s Prosecutor’s Office.
CIDG director Police Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. added that Taulani may also face administrative charges for his involvement in the illegal activity.
Kirsten Segui, Inquirer.net trainee
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