NAGRESULTA sa pagkakakumpiska ng P240 million worth of smuggled cigarettes ang operasyon ng Philippine National Police (PNP) simula noong October 26, ayon kay PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez

Umabot sa 335 anti-smuggling operations ang isinagawa nationwide at 311 sa mga ito ang tumarget sa cigarette smuggling.

Nagresulta din sa pagkakaaresto ng 267 smuggling syndicate members at pagkakasamsam ng P239,639.65 na halaga ng smuggled cigarettes.

Pinakamalaki ang nasamsam ng Police Regional Office 6 (P58.9 million) kasunod ang PRO-9 (P56.2 million) at PRO-12 (P47.7 million).

“These numbers highlight the pivotal role these units play in safeguarding the economy from economic saboteurs, targeting illicit commerce that undermines public welfare,” sabi ni Lt. Gen. Nartatez.

Pinuri din ni Lt. Gen. Nartatez ang dedication ng mga operating units at sinabing “this is a clear message that the PNP stands firm in defending the nation’s economic integrity.”

“Smuggling is more than a crime, it is a betrayal of the honest Filipino worker and business owner. Every pack of illicit cigarettes seized means revenue saved for our government and opportunities restored for our people,” sabi ng PNP chief.

Ayon kay PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief, Brigadier Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño: “Every successful operation is a victory not just for law enforcement, but for every Filipino who pays taxes and earns an honest living.

The PNP will continue to intensify its efforts under EMPO to protect our borders, uphold fair trade, and support the government’s drive for economic recovery.”