MANILA, Philippines – Naharang ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at Bureau of Customs (BOC) ang 54 container vans na naglalaman ng P3 bilyong halaga ng umano’y ismagel na sigarilyo sa operasyon sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte nitong Biyernes, Mayo 8.
Ipinatupad ng BOC ang Letter of Authority na nagresulta sa pagkakadiskubre sa 54 na 40-foot container van na naglalaman ng 1,030 master cases ng sigarilyo.
Ayon kay PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., ang dami ng mga nakumpiska ay nagpapakita ng sopistikadong criminal network na nag-ooperate nang higit pa sa lokal na kapasidad.
“The sheer volume of this seizure — 54 container vans — strongly suggests the involvement of a well-funded and large-scale transnational criminal syndicate. We are not just looking at a localized distribution ring but a logistical network capable of moving massive quantities of contraband through our regional corridors,” ani Nartatez.
“Our intelligence units are currently back-tracing the shipment’s origin and its intended recipients to dismantle the entire structure of this syndicate.”
Ang operasyon ay isinagawa ng 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa BOC, sa Gotong Private Port matapos makatanggap ng intelligence operation ang pulisya sa kahina-hinalang kargamento.
Nadiskubre ang mga kontrabando sa Barangay Talisay at itinurn-over sa BOC-Caraga para sa tamang dokumentasyon at disposisyon.
“Large-scale smuggling operations weaken lawful businesses and deprive the government of revenues intended for public services. The PNP will continue strengthening law enforcement efforts against organized illegal trade activities across the country,” ani Nartatez.
“Private port facilities must not be viewed as blind spots for illegal activity. I am issuing a clear directive to all regional and provincial directors: Intensify your coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard to heighten the surveillance of private wharves and secondary ports,” dagdag pa niya.
“We are expanding our intelligence-driven approach to ensure that no pier, regardless of ownership, becomes a gateway for smuggled goods that bleed our economy.” RNT/JGC
