P4.3M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY— Police and other law enforcement agencies seized P4.35 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during an operation in Barangay Balicotoc, Ilog, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the suspects on Monday only by their aliases, “Mak,” 44, and “Mar,” 24, both residents of Barangay Cogon in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspects were intercepted while transporting 76 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes aboard a wing van truck, police said.

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READ: BOC seizes P29-M smuggled cigarettes at a subport in Manila

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An initial inspection showed that the cigarettes lacked the required government permits and graphic health warnings, indicating possible violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and other trade regulations, according to PRO-NIR.

Ilog Municipal Police Station took in custody the confiscated cigarettes, valued at P4,354,800, and the truck for inventory, documentation, and proper disposition.

PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commended the personnel involved in the operation and vowed to intensify the crackdown on cigarette smuggling in the region.

“We will not allow cigarette smuggling and the illegal movement of illicit goods to go unchecked in the Negros Island Region. We will sustain our operations, strengthen our coordination with partner agencies, and pursue those involved in these activities in accordance with the law,” Reales said in a statement.

The operation involved personnel from the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division, Ilog Municipal Police Station, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Highway Patrol Group, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs. INQ