On May 5, 2025, at around 8:30 PM in Binalonan, Pangasinan, operatives of the Pangasinan Provincial Cyber Response Team (PCRT) conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of two suspects involved in the online sale of smuggled cigarettes.

The operation stemmed from the proactive cyber patroling of Pangasinan PCRT, which uncovered a Facebook post by one of the suspects advertising bulk quantities of cigarettes allegedly smuggled from China, with prices ranging from Php16,000.00 to Php20,000.00 per box.

During the arrest, authorities seized a total of 550 reams of smuggled cigarettes from the suspects.

Both suspects are facing charges for violations of RA No. 10643 (The Graphic Health Warnings Law), RA No. 8424 (Tax Reform Act), RA No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act), and RA No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), all in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation aligns with the directive of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the PNP, to strengthen both proactive and reactive actions against cybercrime and ensure public safety in the cyber environment.

Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), lauded the Team for the successful operation. He also stated, “Engaging in the sale of smuggled goods undermines lawful trade and endangers public health. We urge everyone to comply with government regulations and purchase only products that are legally recognized by customs.”