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, on Wednesday evening, August 5.
The coordinated operation, led by the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) alongside the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, and local police units, acted on targeted intelligence regarding contraband transported via a RORO vessel from Pagadian City.
Intercepted aboard a green Canter truck were 263 master cases of undocumented cigarettes—comprising Walter Premium and Busqu Full Flavor brands—valued at ₱15,069,900, along with 200 boxes of dried fish used as cover, the PRO NIR reported.
Authorities arrested three suspects at the scene: driver alias “Je,” 32, and passenger alias “Jo,” 22, both from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; and passenger alias “Al,” 27, of Parang, Sulu.
The suspects were caught in flagrante delicto and face charges under Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) and RA 10863 (Customs and Tariff Modernization Act). Officers utilized body-worn cameras throughout the arrest and inventory process in compliance with Supreme Court rules.
PRO NIR Regional Director PBGen. Romano V. Cardiño commended the inter-agency collaboration, emphasizing that stopping contraband before it hits store shelves protects legitimate businesses, preserves government revenues, and safeguards public order.
The seized tobacco products were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Substation Dumaguete for proper disposition.*
[sibwp_form id=1]