Authorities intercepted smuggled cigarettes in Bukidnon. Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
Police intercepted two trucks carrying an estimated ₱5.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.
The operation took place along the Diversion Road in Barangay Patpat, where authorities stopped the vehicles and found undocumented cigarette shipments.
Four people were arrested and are facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Initial investigation showed the shipment allegedly originated from Lanao del Norte and was bound for Tagum City.
The operation was carried out by joint units of the Highway Patrol Group-Bukidnon, Regional Highway Patrol Unit-10, Malaybalay City Police Station and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bukidnon, with support from other agencies.
Seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, for proper disposition, while police continue to trace the source and distribution network behind the shipment.