The CIDG has seized more than ₱15.1 million worth of smuggled gasoline and cigarettes in separate operations in Batangas and Quezon. Four suspects, including a Chinese national, were arrested.
The first operation took place at around 11:50 p.m., October 6 at a gas station in Barangay Balagtas, Batangas City. Three suspects, “Ed,” “Sam,” and “Sid,” were caught illegally selling petroleum or so-called paihi. Two fuel tankers containing 40,000 liters of diesel, unleaded, and premium gasoline worth approximately ₱9.14 million were seized.
In Lucena City, Quezon, a separate buy-bust operation from 11:30 p.m. October 6 to 4:50 a.m. October 7 resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national, “Joseph.” He was caught selling smuggled cigarettes at a warehouse in Barangay Mayao Crossing. 95 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes were seized, with an estimated value of ₱6.03 million.
The suspects could face charges under the law against illegal petroleum trading, intellectual property code, tobacco regulation act, and tax violations.
According to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Morico II, this is proof of their rigorous campaign against illegal trade, and he called on the public to cooperate and report this type of activity.
