BACOLOD City – As part of their intensified campaign against smuggling, the E.B. Magalona Police Station in Negros Occidental seized an estimated P2.8 million worth of illicit cigarettes during an operation conducted in the town’s Barangay Pasil around 6:50 p.m. on May 27.
The operation, led by Police Station Commander Major Jeric Doronila, was carried out in line with the enforcement of Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended. The law prohibits the unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of the tax.
Authorities arrested alias “Marciano,” 67, a resident of Daan Banwa, Barangay 9, Victorias City. His alleged accomplice, alias “John Mark”, remained at large.
Recovered from the operation were 140 boxes of Brave cigarettes, believed to be smuggled and sold without proper tax stamps.
The confiscated items are currently in the custody of the E.B. Magalona Police Station, while formal charges are being prepared against the suspects.
Colonel Rainerio De Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), commended the E.B. Magalona police for their sustained efforts in curbing illicit trade in the province.
He said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining suspect./PN
