Eight master cases of smuggled cigarettes were intercepted during an “Oplan Sita” operation conducted by the 2nd Platoon of the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) Napsan at Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Napsan, Puerto Princesa City, around 8:10 a.m. today, September 24.
The suspects were identified as Adzman Kasim Musa, 33, a resident of Pulot Shore, Sofronio Española, and his passenger, Basil Eco Maldan, 42, a businessman residing in Barangay Sarasa, Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Their gray metallic Mitsubishi Mirage was stopped by the 2nd Platoon of CMFC Napsan for a traffic violation, as they were not wearing seatbelts.
During further inspection of the vehicle, the officers discovered the master cases of smuggled cigarettes.
In addition to the vehicle and the boxes of cigarettes, the police also confiscated ₱40,730 in cash from the two suspects.
Prior to this incident, the two suspects were reportedly known for their involvement in the illegal smuggling of cigarettes.
The suspects have been brought to Police Station 3 and will be charged with violating Section 254 of Republic Act No. 8424, also known as the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
Section 254 specifically addresses the unlawful act of attempting to evade or defeat tax. It penalizes any person who willfully attempts to evade or defeat any tax imposed under the code or the payment thereof. In this case, the smuggled cigarettes were brought into the country without the appropriate taxes and duties, making the suspects liable for tax evasion.
Cigarette smuggling in Palawan has been a persistent issue due to the province’s proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia, which makes it a strategic point for smugglers to bring in contraband tobacco products.
Smuggled cigarettes often enter Palawan through remote coastal areas, such as Balabac and Brooke’s Point, and are then distributed across various municipalities.
