Two men were arrested after a checkpoint evasion in Silay City led to the seizure of suspected illegal cigarettes on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 26.
Arrested were alias “Ram,” 38, from Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, and alias “Predo,” 35, from Brgy. Concepcion, Talisay City.
Silay police said the incident began at around 4 p.m. after a concerned citizen reported an alleged armed individual aboard a red Mitsubishi Expander.
Authorities set up a checkpoint in Brgy. Bagtic, but the vehicle allegedly made a U-turn and attempted to flee toward Bacolod City.
The police launched a hot pursuit operation and intercepted the vehicle along the Circumferential Road in Brgy. 5, Silay City.
During inspection, officers discovered assorted cigarette packs inside the vehicle that allegedly had no required health graphic warnings.
When asked to present documents for the items, the suspects reportedly failed to provide any.
Recovered from the vehicle were 13 reams and four packs of Carnival cigarettes, six reams of Bison cigarettes, 22 reams and six packs of Patron cigarettes, and 64 reams of Casablanca cigarettes.
Police said the total estimated value of the confiscated items is around P42,000.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, are being prepared.*
[sibwp_form id=1]