PHP 2M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Negros Oriental bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A man was arrested after PHP 2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes were seized in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Old Namangka, Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Monday.

Joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Mabinay Municipal Police Station confiscated 40 master cases of branded cigarettes along with undisclosed buy-bust money.

The suspect faces charges under Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, in relation to Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said operations like these demonstrate the agency’s firm stance against smuggling and unlawful trade that undermine public health and government revenues.

He vowed to strengthen enforcement actions to hold violators accountable.

“We will run after those who continue to violate the law to protect the welfare of the people,” Nartatez said.