BATANGAS POLICE ARREST 5, SEIZE P2.6-MILLION WORTH OF CONTRABAND

 BATANGAS POLICE ARREST 5, SEIZE P2.6-MILLION WORTH OF CONTRABAND

By Roselle R. Aquino

Camp Miguel Malvar, BATANGAS CITY — Five individuals were arrested and more than P2.6 million worth of illegal cigarettes and vehicles were seized in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) in Barangay Banaba Center, Batangas City.

The operation was conducted at around 10:45 p.m. on August 27 by the Provincial Intelligence Unit, in coordination with the Batangas Component City Police Station and RSOU-RID4A.

Arrested were five Batangas residents identified by their aliases as “Angelo,” 25; “Lorenzo,” 30; “Raniel,” 44; “Walter,” 39; and “Elenita,” 40.

Police confiscated assorted cigarette products valued at P603,942, based on Bureau of Customs valuation.

Also seized were a 2012 Toyota Hi-Ace Commuter van and a 2025 Toyota Avanza, with a combined estimated value of P2 million.

The total estimated value of the confiscated cigarettes and vehicles reached P2,603,942.

Police also recovered the genuine P1,000 bill used as buy-bust money and 60 pieces of P1,000 boodle money.

BPPO Provincial Director Col Oliver. Ebora said the Batangas police will not stop pursuing individuals involved in the illegal cigarette trade.

“The Batangas Police will not stop going after those involved in the illegal cigarette trade. This operation sends a clear message that there is no room in Batangas for activities that violate the law,” Ebora said.

He added that the police will continue to strengthen intelligence operations and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

“We will continue to intensify our intelligence operations and coordination to hold violators accountable and protect our citizens from illegal products,” he said.

The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights, while the confiscated items were inventoried and documented at the scene in the presence of the arrested individuals and two barangay councilors.The five suspects and the seized items were brought to the Provincial Intelligence Unit for proper documentation and disposition.Complaints for alleged violations of Sections 10 and 13 of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, are being prepared for filing before the Prosecutor’s Office.