ILOILO City — Police seized more than P25 million worth of illegal cigarettes and arrested a 42-year-old woman during a joint law enforcement operation in Estancia, Iloilo.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Jelyn,” a self-employed resident of Estancia, was caught at around 3:15 p.m. on June 25.
The operation was carried out by the Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) Regional Intelligence Division – Regional Special Operations Group, in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office No. 75-Northern Iloilo, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Estancia Municipal Police Station.
Authorities served a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 71 of the Sixth Judicial Region, along with revenue and mission orders from the BIR’s Revenue Region No. 11.
During the operation, authorities confiscated a total of 30,098 reams of various brands of untaxed cigarettes — 1,448 reams from Barangay Zone I, Poblacion, and another 28,650 reams from Barangay Lumbia.
Police estimated the total value of the seized cigarettes, including corresponding tax liabilities and penalties, at P25,072,868.17.
As of press time, the suspect remained under police custody. she is facing charges for violating Section 263 of Republic Act No. 11467 in relation to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, for the unlawful possession and removal of excisable goods without payment of the required taxes.
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting director of PRO-6, commended the operating units and the BIR for the successful operation, saying it underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and inter-agency law enforcement efforts.
“This successful operation reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement against illegal trade. Illegal cigarettes deprive the government of much-needed revenue, undermine legitimate businesses, and expose the public to products that have not undergone proper regulation,” Tuaño said.
He assured that PRO-6 will continue supporting partner agencies in dismantling illegal trade operations across Western Visayas.
“PRO-6 will continue to support our partner agencies through intelligence-driven operations to ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable,” he said.
Tuaño also urged the public to immediately report any information related to the manufacture, transport, storage, or sale of illegal products.
“The cooperation of the public is vital in our campaign against illegal activities. Through timely information sharing and strong community partnerships, we can better protect our economy, safeguard the welfare of our people, and keep Western Visayas safe,” he added./PN
