Authorities confiscated fake cigarettes valued at ₱1.76 million in two separate checkpoint operations in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday morning.
Major Haul in Zaragoza
In Zaragoza town, a 12-wheeler truck was stopped at a checkpoint where authorities discovered 147 boxes of assorted Chinese-brand cigarettes.
The truck driver and his helper were arrested after failing to present legal documents for transporting the counterfeit goods, which had an estimated value of ₱1,764,000.
Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office director, P/Colonel Ferdinand Germino, condemned the illegal activity, stating, “Let these individuals go to jail to teach them a lesson that illegal activities will not be tolerated in Nueva Ecija.”
Smaller Seizure Along Pangasinan-Guimba Road
In a separate operation, a 43-year-old man was caught transporting counterfeit cigarettes worth ₱62,800 on his tricycle.
The suspect ignored a checkpoint along Pangasinan-Guimba Road near Barangay Curva, initially claiming the boxes he carried contained used clothes. Upon inspection, authorities found four master cases of counterfeit cigarettes.
The suspect also failed to provide proper documentation and now faces charges under the Tobacco Regulation Act.
Message to Offenders
“This should serve as a warning to those engaged in illegal business. You will be caught,” Germino said, highlighting the police force’s determination to combat smuggling and counterfeit trade.