Five individuals were arrested and more than P3.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in separate anti-smuggling operations in Negros Occidental, the police reported.
The Philippine National Police said the operations were conducted in Victorias City and Bacolod City Monday and Tuesday, April 20 to 2,1 as part of intensified efforts against the illegal cigarette trade.
In Victorias City, two suspects were arrested at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday during a joint operation by the Maritime Group, local police, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Authorities confiscated 1,818 reams and two packs of smuggled cigarettes valued at P1,963,550.04, which were turned over to the BIR for proper disposition.
In Bacolod City, three more suspects were arrested at about 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday in Brgy. Pahanocoy during a buy-bust operation conducted by CIDG, Bacolod City Police Office, and Regional Intelligence Unit–Negros Island Region.
Seized during the operation were 17 boxes and 111 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P1,220,000, along with buy-bust money and a vehicle allegedly used in the activity. The suspects are now under police custody and will face appropriate charges.*
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