Two vehicles carrying illicit cigarettes found in Negros Or

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Highway Patrol Unit–Negros Island Region found two abandoned panel vans allegedly loaded with illicit cigarettes in Purok 6, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental, on Saturday.

According to an initial report, intelligence operatives observed several individuals loading master cases of suspected illegal contraband into the vehicles.

However, upon noticing the presence of law enforcement officers, the suspects fled.

The area, with support from other law enforcement units, was immediately secured, and coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies was made for proper verification and inventory.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for Police Regional Office–NIR, said police cannot give the amount of the seized items as the Bureau of Internal Revenue will conduct the inventory.