OVER P1.38-M ILLICIT CIGARETTES SEIZED IN NUEVA ECIJA, PAMPANGA 

BY KEVIN GALANG

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Operatives seized more than P1.38 million worth of illegal cigarettes in separate anti-smuggling operations in Nueva Ecija and Pampanga.

The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Tuesday reported that the intensified crackdown, carried out from April 6 to 7, forms part of a broader regionwide effort to curb illicit trade across Central Luzon.

In Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, joint police operatives on April 6 intercepted a white Nissan Urvan at a checkpoint in the town and  recovered 85 boxes of undocumented cigarettes valued at approximately P1.02 million.

Two suspects — a 46-year-old driver and his 36-year-old helper –were arrested after failing to present the required transport and tax documents.

Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Director Col. Ritchie Claravall credited the interception of the illegal goods to intensified  checkpoint operations. 

In a separate operation in Arayat, Pampanga on April 7, members of the Pampanga Police Intelligence Unit, in coordination with the local police, conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a 43-year-old man.

Confiscated from the suspect were 19 boxes of illegal cigarettes worth P360,000 and a vehicle used in the transaction.

Pampanga Police Provincial Director Col. Eugence Marcelo highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement efforts to dismantle illicit trade networks.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said all confiscated cigarette products lacked the mandatory tax stamps issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), indicating violations of the National Internal Revenue Code.

“This is about protecting our economy, ensuring fair business practices, and safeguarding government revenues,” Mendez said.

“We will continue to intensify our operations in line with our commitment to deliver service that is mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,” he added.

Mendez directed all police units in the region to sustain aggressive checkpoint operations, strengthen intelligence coordination, and closely monitor key transport routes. 

The directive aligns with the national government’s whole-of-government approach against illegal trade and the Philippine National Police’s campaign for stricter enforcement of economic laws.

PRO3 reaffirmed its commitment to intensify its campaign against illicit cigarettes and other illegal goods, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in protecting both consumers and the national economy.