A 29-year-old man was arrested while about P26.6 million worth of alleged illegal cigarettes were seized in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said the operation was conducted in Purok Cogon 1, Brgy. Alimango, following information about an alleged transaction involving illicit cigarettes near a beach resort in the area.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “JC,” a resident of Brgy. Vito, Sagay City.
Authorities said the suspect was allegedly found in possession of 447 master cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes.
The seized cigarettes had an estimated total value of P26,613,100, the PRO-NIR said.
Police said the cigarettes bore unauthorized tax seals and did not carry the required graphic health warning labels.
The operation was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group with support from regional intelligence, maritime, provincial intelligence, Escalante police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group units.
The seized cigarettes were inventoried and documented in the presence of the suspect and witnesses before being brought to the Escalante City Component Police Station for temporary custody and proper disposition.
The suspect is also under police custody while authorities complete the documentation and investigation for the filing of appropriate charges.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said police operations would continue against the illicit movement of untaxed and unauthorized products.
The seizure is among the larger recent cigarette confiscations reported by PRO-NIR in Negros Occidental.*
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