CIDG seizes PHP 8.8 million illicit cigarettes in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Negros Occidental arrested three people and seized PHP 8.8 million worth of suspected imported illicit cigarettes reportedly transported from Occidental Mindoro during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 3, Isabela, Negros Occidental, early Friday.

Arrested were “Rey,” 32, a driver; “Virgil,” 32, a laborer; and “Gery,” 46, another driver.

Police Maj. Christopher Dulagan, head of CIDG-Bacolod and Negros Occidental, said they received information about the alleged transport of suspected illicit cigarettes into the province, prompting surveillance that led to the buy-bust operation.

According to the CIDG, the suspects allegedly sold two master cases of cigarettes to a police poseur-buyer for PHP 30,000 during the operation conducted under “Oplan Megashopper” for alleged violation of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

Authorities also confiscated 174 master cases of suspected illicit cigarettes from a truck after the suspects reportedly failed to present documents authorizing the lawful possession, distribution or sale of the tobacco products.

The CIDG also confiscated 150 sacks of red onions found at the rear of the truck.

Dulagan said the suspects presented documents authorizing them to transport the onions.

However, he said investigators are looking into whether the onions were used to conceal the suspected illicit cigarettes during transport.

Dulagan said some of the cigarettes might have been distributed in areas along the suspects’ route after they entered Negros through Bacolod City aboard a roll-on, roll-off vessel.

Based on tracking information and receipts recovered by authorities, the suspects came from Occidental Mindoro, where they reportedly stayed before traveling to Negros, he said.

The suspects provided limited information to investigators and claimed they had only been hired to deliver the cargo and did not know its owner or contents.

The suspects and seized items were brought to the Isabela Municipal Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges.

The Graphic Health Warnings Law requires tobacco products sold or distributed in the Philippines to carry prescribed graphic health warnings covering 50% of the front and back panels of their packaging and prohibits the sale or distribution of noncompliant tobacco products.

The CIDG is investigating whether the latest operation is linked to previous cases involving illicit cigarettes on Negros Island.

Meanwhile, police arrested a man and seized four boxes containing 200 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth PHP 130,000 in Barangay Bubog, Talisay City, on Thursday.

During a patrol, two police officers noticed a black sport utility vehicle parked along the roadside and saw the suspect allegedly unloading boxes of cigarettes from the vehicle.

Upon inspection, the officers found that the cigarette packs did not bear the required graphic health warnings, while the suspect failed to provide the required documents.

The operation followed the interception of PHP 1.98 million worth of suspected illicit cigarettes from Cebu at the San Carlos City port in Barangay 6 on Aug. 31.

Authorities had also seized PHP 26.6 million worth of suspected illicit cigarettes in Escalante City on Aug. 25, PHP 21 million during a seaborne patrol off Sipalay City, and PHP 14.6 million in Bago City in August.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said police officers will remain visible, vigilant and ready to act whenever the law is violated.

He vowed to continue working with partner agencies to prevent illicit tobacco products from reaching the public, protect legitimate businesses and uphold the law.

PRO-NIR also highlighted the role of police visibility and proactive patrol operations in detecting and addressing the movement of illicit tobacco products.

“This operation sends a clear message that illegal trade will not be allowed to thrive in our communities,” Reales said.