Authorities seized P10.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested a 22-year-old man during an operation in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, early Monday, Sept. 28.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the arrested suspect as alias Omar, while aliases Jun and Jake remain at large.
Police said all three suspects are from Jolo, Sulu.
The joint operation was conducted at around 2:55 a.m. in Sitio Batang, Brgy. Talaban, where authorities intercepted cigarettes reportedly being prepared for transport.
Recovered during the operation were 63 master cases and 74 boxes of D&B cigarettes, as well as 25 master cases of YS Menthol and 102 boxes of YS Red cigarettes.
The 176 boxes contained 25 reams each, according to PRO-NIR.
The seized cigarettes had an initial estimated value of P10,199,400, based on the Bureau of Customs’ valuation for undocumented goods, while the National Tobacco Administration will determine their final value.
Police said the cigarettes allegedly lacked the required permits and graphic health warnings.
Authorities are preparing complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, subject to further investigation and determination by the appropriate authorities.
PRO-NIR said the seized products were inventoried, documented and marked at the scene in the presence of the arrested suspect and witnesses, including a barangay official and a media representative.
Omar was brought to the Himamaylan City Police Station for booking and documentation, while the confiscated cigarettes were secured pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for examination and proper disposition.
The operation was led by the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division in coordination with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Customs, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine Coast Guard and other police units.
PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales said police would intensify operations against suspected smuggling and strengthen coordination with other government agencies.
Police are continuing their investigation and pursuit of the two other suspects.*
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