P3.1M in smuggled cigarettes seized, 3 busted in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY — Police intercepted some P3.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested three men during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay town,  Negros Oriental, on Monday morning.

The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) identified the suspects as “Lom,” 25, the truck driver; and passengers “Joe,” 41, and “Ben,” 40. 

All three are residents of Barangay Pook in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

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READ: Naval forces seize P398M in smuggled cigarettes off Sulu

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Police operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) received a tip about a blue Mazda truck transporting illegal tobacco products from Barangay Nagbalaye in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, bound for Hinoba-an.

At around 7:20 a.m., a multi-agency task force intercepted the vehicle in Sitio Lintob. 

The joint team confiscated 54 master cases of “BOSQU” cigarettes valued at P3,094,200, along with the utility truck used in the transport.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Basay Municipal Police Station, Negros Oriental Maritime Police Station, Negros Oriental Provincial Intelligence Team, Negros Occidental PIU-PDEU, CIDG Regional Field Unit-NIR, and the Bureau of Customs.

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Police units documented the arrest using body-worn cameras, and they conducted an on-site inventory and marking of the contraband before bringing the suspects to the Basay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Authorities are preparing to file charges against the three suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act)./coa