• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An estimated P2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during a buy-bust operation at Barangay Old Namangka in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on April 6.
In tandem with the Mabinay Municipal Police Station, CIDG operatives recovered 40 master cases of branded smuggled cigarettes, following the arrest of a lone suspect.
Across Negros Occidental, several operations led to the recovery of volumes of smuggled cigarettes.
Eleven master cases, equivalent to 550 reams of Red Native and Menthol Cannon cigarettes, were surrendered by alias “Umar” to the police in San Carlos City on April 7.
The smuggled cigarettes, with a market value of P550,000, were hidden in a storage area at AE Avenue in Barangay 3.
Policemen also recovered 60 reams of smuggled cigarettes, with brand names New Berlin, Menthol Premiex, New Castle and Cannon Menthol, abandoned in front of the house of certain “Abel” at Toreno Heights Subdivision in Barangay 9, Victorias City.
The recovered items have an estimated market value of P70,000.
A van loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes was found abandoned by the roadside of Sitio Canlayohan, Barangay Gil Montilla, Sipalay City on April 6.
The police saw boxes of cigarettes inside the van, through its tinted windows, including packs labeled “Busqu”.
From January to March 29 this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported to have seized about P2 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in nationwide operations as it intensified its campaign against illegal tobacco trade.
The CIDG recorded the highest value of confiscations at over P690 million, followed by Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula with more than P147 million, and PRO-4A with over P116 million.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said smuggling has a huge impact on the economy and vowed to dismantle illegal networks. | GB with PNA reports
