PHP1.2-M Smuggled Cigarettes Seized at Negros Oriental Checkpoint

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police arrested three individuals after intercepting PHP1.23 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Barangay Panubigan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, late Wednesday night.

Authorities confiscated 250 reams of assorted cigarettes without tax seals during the operation.

The names of the suspects were withheld, but police confirmed that two are residents of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, aged 33 and 39, while the third is a 53-year-old from Zamboanga City.

Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the suspects were flagged down because their white L300 van had no license plate.

He noted that the province enforces a “no plate, no travel” policy.

The suspects also failed to present proper documents, prompting officers to search the van, which led to the discovery of the contraband.

Polinar said police are investigating whether the three are linked to two individuals recently arrested by the Bacolod City Maritime Police Station in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

That earlier operation led to the seizure of PHP12.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on May 19.

The Cauayan contraband was believed to have originated from Mindanao, but the source of the Canlaon shipment remains under investigation.

Charges will be filed against the suspects for violating Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.