VEHICLE STOPPED AT LUBAO CHECKPOINT YIELDS ILLEGAL CIGARETTES

BY KEVIN GALANG

LUBAO, Pampanga – A Mitsubishi L300 FB vehicle stopped at a checkpoint in Bgy. Sto. Tomas in this town on Thursday yielded illegal cigarettes and more than P2 million in cash.

In a report to PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, Lubao police chief Lt. Col. Dederick Relativo said two suspects were arrested.

Relativo identified those arrested as alias “Nyor,” 47, a driver and a resident of Bgy. Lourdes, Lubao; and alias “Geli,” 34, a helper from Bgy. San Simon, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

The official said the suspects were arrested by lawmen  manning a checkpoint on village road.

According to Relativo, the suspects were aboard a white Mitsubishi L300 FB body with plate number NIP 6484 when flagged down for not wearing seat belts, a violation of Republic Act 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.

As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed a large box containing illegal “CARNIVAL Red” cigarettes in plain view at the back portion of the van.

The driver allegedly failed to present documents and permits for the transport and possession of the cigarettes.

Further inspection showed that the cigarette products did not carry the required graphic health warnings in violation of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Confiscated were one box containing 50 reams of illegal cigarettes valued at around P51,000, cash amounting to about P2,057,500, a check worth P500,000 and two cellular phones.

The suspects were brought to the Lubao police station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.