PATROLLING LAWMEN INTERCEPT VAN WITH P690K ILLICIT CIGARETTES IN NUEVA ECIJA

BY KEVIN GALANG

CUYAPO, Nueva Ecija – Police on Saturday arrested a driver and his two cohorts and seized an estimated P690,000 worth of illicit cigarettes during patrol operation in Bgy. Columbitin, this town.

Nueva Ecija police director Col. Ritchie Claravall reported to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez that arrested were alias “Toto,” 59, a driver; and his accomplices, alias “Musni,” 47; and alias “Padua,” 18, all residents of Cabanatuan City.

Cuyapo police Chief Lt. Col. Perfecto de Mayo  said the arrests were made while officers were conducting mobile patrol under “Oplan Sita” along the Cuyapo-Talugtug Road.

Operatives spotted a black Starex van parked on a vacant lot and decided to inspect the vehicle.

Upon checking, officers saw several boxes of cigarettes in plain view inside the van.

During questioning, the driver failed to present receipts or any documents to prove the legal transport of the cigarette products.

Authorities confiscated 30 master cases of “Modern Light” cigarettes with an estimated street value of P690,000.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 8293 and Republic Act 9211 were filed against the arrested suspects.