By CESAR JOLITO III
Authorities confiscated more than P40.8 million worth of untaxed and smuggled cigarettes and arrested 12 individuals in two separate anti-smuggling operations conducted across Negros Island over two days, underscoring intensified efforts against illicit trade networks in the region.
The biggest breakthrough occurred on Saturday night, May 16, in Sitio Labugon, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental, where combined law enforcement units intercepted a major shipment of illegal tobacco products.
Police, maritime personnel, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of 10 suspects.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals through aliases, including residents from Negros Oriental’s Valencia town, Zamboanga City, Jolo in Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, who were allegedly involved in transporting and distributing the contraband.
Initial investigation revealed that the seized cigarette shipment bore falsified or unauthorized tax stamps and lacked required graphic health warnings, in violation of the country’s tax and health regulations.
Recovered from the operation were approximately 700 master cases of cigarettes, a 10-wheeler closed van, a motorized boat, two vehicles, and several mobile phones used in the alleged smuggling activity.
The arrested suspects are currently detained at the police station.
Earlier, on May 15, authorities also dismantled another smuggling attempt in Barangay Dahili, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, where two more individuals were arrested after authorities discovered 34 cartons of assorted cigarettes concealed inside a minivan.
The contraband, reportedly originating from Zamboanga City and intended for delivery in Bacolod City, had an estimated value of around P850,000.
Police said the operation resulted in the arrest of two residents of Kabankalan City who were allegedly transporting the illegal goods.
Authorities said the back-to-back successes highlight strengthened intelligence coordination, tighter coastal and land border security, and enhanced interagency cooperation in curbing economic sabotage and illicit trade across Negros Island.
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region reaffirmed its commitment to sustain aggressive operations against smuggling syndicates, stressing that such illegal activities not only deprive the government of vital revenues but also undermine lawful commerce and public welfare./CJ, WDJ