PHP 15 million in smuggled cigarettes seized in Dumaguete

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities intercepted PHP 15 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested three people during a joint anti-smuggling operation at the port area in Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region identified the suspects as “Je,” 32, a driver, and “Jo,” 22, both residents of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and “Al,” 27, of Sulu.

The operation was conducted following an intelligence report from the Regional Intelligence Division regarding the alleged transport of smuggled cigarettes aboard a truck on a roll-on, roll-off vessel from Pagadian City for delivery to Dumaguete City.

PRO-NIR reported that the suspects were allegedly caught in possession of illegal and undocumented cigarettes in violation of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Republic Act 10643 requires graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging, while Republic Act 10863 governs customs administration and the entry of imported goods into the country.

Authorities confiscated 68 master cases of Walter Premium cigarettes and 195 master cases of Busqu Full Flavor cigarettes.

The 263 master cases of illicit cigarettes were valued at PHP 15,069,900.

Authorities also recovered 200 boxes of dried tamban with an estimated value of PHP 90,000.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, said the operation protected legitimate businesses, safeguarded government revenues, and prevented illegal products from circulating in communities and reaching markets.

He lauded the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-driven and interagency collaboration in combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.

Cardiño said the regional office would remain relentless in pursuing criminal activities that threaten public order and economic security.

“We are committed to dismantling criminal networks and protecting the region from illicit activities that threaten public welfare and economic stability,” he added.

Authorities have launched a series of operations against the illicit tobacco trade on Negros Island, resulting in the confiscation and surrender of suspected smuggled cigarettes.

A total of PHP 195 million worth of illicit cigarettes was confiscated across the region from January to June this year, resulting in the arrest of 52 people.

The bulk of the confiscations was recorded in April, when authorities seized PHP 138.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during operations conducted over two weeks.

In the same month, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group dismantled an alleged large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network in Bacolod City.

Authorities arrested 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipino workers during a joint inspection of a warehouse in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

About PHP 800 million worth of equipment, raw materials, and packaging supplies was recovered from two warehouses in Bacolod and Bago cities.