Smuggled cigarettes seized in Cauayan City checkpoint

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela — Police intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth P146,000 at a checkpoint in Barangay Tagaran on Saturday, June 20, authorities said.

Personnel of the Cauayan City Police Station stopped a tricycle carrying the contraband, which was allegedly en route to the San Mariano public market.

READ: P4.5M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Cagayan Valley operations

Two suspects identified as “Sali,” 53, a market vendor, and “Mori,” 49, both residents of Barangay San Fermin in this city, were arrested after they failed to present documents proving the legal origin of the cargo.

Seized from them were 99 reams of Bon International Nise cigarettes worth P99,000; 22 reams of Fort Menthol 100s worth P22,000; 21 reams of Carnival Red worth P21,000; and four reams of Nise Baisha worth P4,000, for a total of 146 reams valued at P146,000.

The confiscated items and the tricycle were turned over to police custody, while the suspects were detained for investigation and possible charges for violation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. /coa