PHP57 million in smuggled cigarettes seized in Antique

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than PHP 57 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized during a checkpoint operation in Belison, Antique, early morning on Sept. 20.

The joint operation by Police Regional Office 6 and the Bureau of Internal Revenue led to the arrest of seven individuals.

The suspects were identified only by aliases: Ray, 38; Joe, 42; Mike, 40; Kael, 33; and Jo, 24 — all residents of Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Also arrested were Nathan, 50, of Zamboanga Sibugay, and Lablab, 22, of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Authorities intercepted three trucks loaded with contraband cigarettes at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion, Belison, at around 3:55 a.m. Saturday.

The three fully loaded closed vans contained 1,142 boxes or 576,020 packs of assorted illicit cigarettes bearing various brands.

The breakdown of the seized cigarettes is as follows: Bosqu (red) – 396 boxes/52 reams/198,520 packs; Fort (green) – 126 boxes/204 reams/65,040 packs; Cannon Menthol (green) – 165 boxes/245 reams/84,950 packs; New Mega (green) – 100 boxes/50,000 packs; New Mega (red) – 50 boxes/25,000 packs; Delta Regular (red) – 100 boxes/50,010 packs; and Thunder (green) – 205 boxes/102,500 packs.

The contraband has an estimated market value of PHP 28,575,000, a street value of PHP 57,150,000, and a potential tax loss of PHP 34,561,200 to the government.

The anti-smuggling operation was led by the 1st Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company under PLTCOL Conrado Rances III.

The operation was supported by the Antique Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Special Operations Group, Belison Municipal Police Station, and the BIR Antique District Office headed by ARDO Asnawie Mamongcara.

Authorities said the operation followed a three-day surveillance effort based on a tip from a confidential informant about the transport of illicit cigarettes in the province.

Initial investigation revealed the cigarettes originated from Zamboanga City and were intended for distribution in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

The suspects are currently detained at the Belison Municipal Police Station.

The confiscated cigarettes are now in the custody of the BIR for proper disposition.

Brigadier General Josefino Ligan commended the swift coordination among law enforcement and revenue agencies.

“This successful operation demonstrates our firm commitment to protecting government revenue and dismantling smuggling networks that undermine our economy,” Ligan said.

He added that Police Regional Office 6, in partnership with the BIR, will continue intensifying anti-smuggling operations across Western Visayas.

He emphasized that such efforts are key to safeguarding communities and ensuring that those engaged in illicit trade are held accountable.