BACOLOD City — Police authorities seized an estimated P26.6 million worth of illicit cigarettes and arrested a 29-year-old man during an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Alimango, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on August 25.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said personnel confiscated 447 master cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes with an estimated value of P26,613,100.
Arrested was alias “JC,” 29, a resident of Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
According to police, the operation stemmed from intelligence information regarding an alleged transaction involving illicit cigarettes near a beach resort in Barangay Alimango.
Personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), with support from various PRO-NIR and other law enforcement units, conducted verification before proceeding with the operation.
Police said “JC” was allegedly found in possession and actual custody of the cigarette products, prompting authorities to inspect and seize the items.
The confiscated cigarettes reportedly bore unauthorized tax seals and lacked the required graphic health warning labels, which authorities said indicated violations of laws and regulations governing tobacco products.
The seized cigarettes and the suspect were brought to the Escalante City Police Station for documentation, custody and proper disposition.
Authorities said appropriate charges would be filed against the suspect following the completion of the investigation and necessary documentation.
“This significant seizure demonstrates that our campaign against the illicit trade is not limited to illegal drugs and other criminal activities,” PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño said.
Cardiño said police would continue targeting the illegal movement of untaxed and unauthorized products, noting that illicit trade harms legitimate businesses and deprives the government of potential revenue.
He also emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and coordination among police units and partner agencies in disrupting the movement of illicit commodities.
PRO-NIR said the operation forms part of its intensified campaign against smuggling and illegal trade in violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law; and Republic Act 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997./PN
