TWO individuals have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly reselling P270 million worth of seized contraband cigarettes in Capas, Tarlac.
The suspects are employees of a disposal company contracted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to destroy the confiscated goods.
According to a 24 Oras Weekend report, the disposal company attempted to sell the cigarettes to undercover buyers for P250 million, significantly less than their estimated value of P270 million.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio has vowed swift and decisive action, stating that “heads will roll” if any BOC personnel are found complicit in the scheme. He emphasized the Bureau’s full cooperation with the NBI investigation and promised accountability for those involved.
The investigation revealed that the contraband cigarettes were contained in four shipping containers, with three consigned to one company and one to another. A separate waste disposal company was contracted for their disposal. The NBI alleges that an environmental consultant working for the disposal facility actively sought buyers for the cigarettes, some of which were reportedly offered online.
The arrested individuals will face charges under Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act) and potentially other relevant laws.
metrosundaily
