P21.8 million smuggled cigarettes seized; 7 Chinese, 26 Pinoys held

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Thirty-three people, including seven Chinese, were arrested as smuggled cigarettes worth P21.85 million were seized in Barangay Adia in Agoncillo, Batangas on Thursday.

The apprehended Chinese were identified only by their aliases of Charlie, Zhou, Huan, Li, Vmo Hai, Xiap and Yao.

At least 672 boxes of smuggled cigarettes were allegedly recovered from the suspects.

Joint teams of the police and Bureau of Internal Revenue said machines and other equipment as well as raw materials and a vehicle, among other items, with an estimated value of P300 million were also seized.

“The illegal trade of smuggled cigarettes undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of crucial tax revenue and poses a direct threat to the economic well-being of our community,” Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Calabarzon police director, said. ”By dismantling this network, we are not just upholding the law, we are safeguarding the economic interests and prosperity of our country.”