Authorities recovered an estimated P24,345,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate operations in Bacolod City and Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, the police reported Tuesday, April 14.
In Bacolod City, suspected smuggled cigarettes worth around P21 million were surrendered to police during a checkpoint operation early Tuesday morning, April 14.
Authorities said a truck driver and his helper voluntarily reported their cargo to operatives of Police Station 4 along Circumferential Road in Brgy. Villamonte.
The truck, which stopped near the checkpoint, was found loaded with about 215 boxes of cigarettes, including 200 boxes of Tabaco and 15 boxes of Cannon brands.
Police said each box contained multiple reams, with an estimated value of P2,000 per ream, bringing the total value to around P21 million.
Investigation showed the driver and his helper were hired by an unidentified individual to transport the items from an unknown warehouse.
However, after noticing markings on the boxes, they contacted their employer and were later advised to proceed to the police station.
The two then informed authorities at the checkpoint about the suspected illegal cargo. The truck and its contents were brought to Police Station 4 for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, an anti-illegal smuggling operation led to the arrest of one individual and the seizure of an estimated P3,345,000 worth of illegal cigarettes at Sitio Mapait, Barangay Suay, Himamaylan City on Monday, April 13, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region reported.
The suspect was identified as alias “Joe”, 32, a laborer and a resident of Sitio Mapait, Brgy. Suay, Himamaylan City.
During the operation, operatives successfully caught the suspect in flagrante delicto in possession and control of illicit cigarettes without BIR tax stamps while onboard a white Toyota Hi-Ace van, resulting in his immediate apprehension and the confiscation of the contraband items, the police said.
The seized cigarettes fid not have the required BIR tax stamps.
Also confiscated was one white Toyota Hi-Ace van, which was used in transporting the illegal goods.
The suspect was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood and is currently under police custody.
The seized evidence has been turned over to BIR Region No. 12, Bacolod City for proper disposition, the police said.*
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