P32-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Bulacan

MANILA – Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized some PHP32 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested four persons, including two Chinese nationals in a buy-bust operation in Bulacan, a top police official said Monday.

In a statement, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said the suspects Zeng Qiangjian, 42, Lin Shanxiong, 48, both Chinese nationals; John Bejay Agujar, 25, and Rodolfo Brosas, 45, were arrested during the operation with local police together with representatives of PMFTC Incorporated and JTI Incorporated at a warehouse located at Zone 6, Bypass Road, Barangay Borol 2nd, Balagtas, Bulacan on Sunday.

CIDG operatives confiscated 711 cartons or 35,550 reams of assorted cigarette products that have a total estimated market value of PHP32,305,000.

Ferro said under the operation known as “Oplan Hithit-Buga”, CIDG members were able to transact with one of the suspects for the purchase of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP1 million.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155498