Police seized an estimated ₱14.6 million worth of suspected illegal cigarettes during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation in Purok Narra, Barangay Malingin, Bago City, on Thursday afternoon, August 6.
A laborer identified as alias “Kev,” 32, of Zamboanga City, was arrested during the operation, while two unidentified male suspects escaped over a perimeter fence and remain at large.
The bust originated from a checkpoint in Barangay Lag-asan, where Bago City police flagged down a white Isuzu aluminum van following intelligence reports regarding untaxed tobacco distribution.
Upon inspection, officers discovered reams of “Concept” brand cigarettes concealed beneath bundles of laundry. During questioning, the driver revealed that the shipment was loaded at a compound in Purok Narra.
Responding joint forces—comprising the Bago City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division of PRO NIR, Provincial Intelligence Unit, NOcPPO, and CIDG Negros Occidental—immediately proceeded to the site.
In the presence of barangay officials, police inspected a storage room on the premises and confiscated 255 boxes of illicit cigarettes valued at ₱14,611,500, along with the Isuzu aluminum van and a white Mitsubishi Lancer.
All seized items and the suspect were taken into custody by the Bago City Police Station for proper disposition and the preparation of smuggling and tax evasion charges.
PRO NIR Regional Director PBGen. Romano V. Cardiño commended the operating units, stating that relentless, intelligence-driven operations remain vital to dismantling illegal trade networks, protecting government revenues, and upholding fair commerce across the region.
The Bago City seizure comes on the heels of another major enforcement victory on Wednesday, where law enforcement authorities intercepted more than ₱15 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals during a joint anti-smuggling operation at the Port Area in Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City.*
[sibwp_form id=1]