POLICEMEN manning a checkpoint in Pualas, Lanao del Sur on Valentine’s Day seized over P1.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes following a brief hot pursuit operation, a report to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said yesterday.
The recovery of the contraband was made amid the intensified anti-criminality drive, including stepped-up police visibility, along key transit routes frequently exploited for illicit trade in Mindanao.
Around 4:50 a.m. last Saturday, members of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Mobile Force Company were conducting an anti- criminality checkpoint in Bgy. Porug, Pualas, municipality when the drivers of six vehicles suddenly made a U-turn and fled upon noticing the presence of the lawmen.
Responding immediately, operatives initiated a hot pursuit operation that stretched to Bgy. Matling in nearby Malabang municipality.
Officers eventually found a navy blue Toyota Revo abandoned by its driver in Bgy. Matling. A plain-view inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of the contraband.
They include 1,670 reams of assorted branded cigarettes without any graphic health warnings valued at P1.428 million.
The wagon was impounded at the Malabang police headquarters while the contrabands will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition.
Nartatez underscored the organization’s firm resolve against smuggling and economic offenses.
“Illegal trade weakens lawful businesses and deprives the government of rightful revenues. We will pursue those behind these operations without hesitation. Hindi kami uurong sa laban kontra smuggling at pananagutin ang mga responsable,” he said.
“Running away from a checkpoint will not shield anyone from accountability. The law will catch up. Walang makakatakas sa batas—pananagutan nila ang kanilang ginawa,” he added.
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