BACOLOD City — Authorities confiscated approximately P1,830,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a targeted raid in Barangay Estefania here.
The January 20 operation led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Negros Island Region also resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as aliases “Primo,” 38, and “Mar,” 32, both residents of the same barangay.
Recovered from the suspects were 46 master cases of assorted cigarette brands that were allegedly being distributed without proper documentation.
According to the CIDG, the items lacked mandatory graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps.
The suspects are currently in police custody, facing charges for violating Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law) and Republic Act 8424 (Tax Reform Act of 1997). (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
