HPG intercepts P143 million smuggled cigarettes
MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P143 million were seized by the Highway Patrol Group in Quezon City on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates.
Remulla said the cargo came from Bauan, Batangas and was supposed to be delivered to Valenzuela City.
“This discovery prompted immediate coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies for case build-up and deeper investigation,” Remulla said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.
He added that after the seizure, three people were arrested after offering P5 million in exchange for the cargo’s release.
“Let me be clear: this administration will not allow our highways to be used as corridors for illicit trade, nor will we tolerate attempts to corrupt public servants enforcing the law,” Remulla said.
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