Cop to face charges for smuggling P1.2-M cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines — The police officer arrested for suspected smuggling of P1.285 million of cigarettes at a checkpoint in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, is set to face administrative and criminal charges, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This came after PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed the immediate filing of the charges once the investigation of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is completed.

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In a Facebook post on Sunday, the PNP said the arrested police officer is assigned at Camp Crame in Quezon City and is currently undertaking appropriate administrative procedures while in restrictive police custody.

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Following the interception of the officer in Zamboanga, the Pagadian City Police recovered 251 reams of New Berlin cigarettes with a market value of P1.285 million on July 12.

The police also retrieved the vehicle of the arrested cop after its bid to cross the checkpoint.

Nartatez noted that the incident should be a warning to all police personnel that engaging in illegal activities will face zero tolerance.

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“The arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law. We will ensure a thorough, impartial investigation, and if the evidence warrants, the concerned personnel will face both administrative and criminal charges,” Nartatez said, as cited in the post. (Geneson Satsatin/ INQUIRER.NET Trainee)

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