In combating smuggling and other illegal activities related to customs in Surigao del Norte, the police authorities of Dapa Municipal Police Station arrested a suspect for violating Republic Act No. 10863.
Police Colonel Laudemer M. Laude, Provincial Director, identified the suspect as a 40-year-old female, married, job-order employee residing at Poblacion, Dapa, Surigao del Norte.
The police authorities of Dapa Municipal Police Station received information around 6:00 am yesterday, that contraband cigarettes were being transported from Surigao City via the MV Pilar Tuna vessel, which was scheduled to harbor at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. Upon immediate response by the police authorities at the port and subsequent inspection and verification, the suspect failed to present legal documents, leading to her arrest for violating Republic Act No. 10863, the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act” (CMTA).
Confiscated items from the operation were nineteen boxes of assorted cigarette brands, the “Canon, Champion, and Delta,” with an estimated total market value amounting to Php313,500.00.
“The SDN PNP’s steadfast commitment to combating smuggling and customs violations within the province. We will enforce penalties to deter illegal activities and uphold compliance with customs laws. Our mandate includes the implementation of measures to identify high-risk shipments for thorough inspection and verification. We stand vigilant against reported smugglers attempting to operate within our province’s jurisdiction. There will be no compromise when it comes to safeguarding our borders and ensuring the integrity of our customs processes,” PD Laude stated.
The arrested person is now under the custody of the Dapa Municipal Police Station, while the confiscated cigarettes are in the custody of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Dapa for the subsequent turn-over to the Bureau of Customs Surigao for proper disposition. (Mark James Lisondra)
(Source: SDN PPO)
