Smuggled cigarettes worth P4.35 million were seized by joint operatives in Barangay Balicotoc, Ilog, Negros Occidental on Sunday, Oct. 18, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported.
Two suspects, “Mak,” 44, and alias “Mar,” 24, both residents of Purok 1, Barangay Cogon, Dipolog City, were arrested for transporting and possessing illicit cigarettes in a van.
In a statement, PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales said the regional police continues to strengthen its coordination with partner-agencies in pursuing those involved in these illicit activities.
“We will not allow cigarette smuggling and the illegal movement of illicit goods to go unchecked in the Negros Island Region,” he said.
The joint operation in the southern Negros locality was led by the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division in coordination with other units of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.
Initial inspection showed the seized tobacco products, comprising 76 master cases, lacked the required permits and did not bear the prescribed graphic health warnings, indicating possible violations of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and other applicable laws and regulations.
The confiscated cigarettes were endorsed to the custody of Ilog Municipal Police Station.
In September, the PRO-NIR arrested six individuals and confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at P11.213 million.
On Sept. 28 alone, a joint law enforcement operation led by the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division seized P10.2 million worth of illicit and smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Talaban, Himamaylan City, also in southern Negros. | PNA
