Authorities seized an estimated P5.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation in Sitio Cotcot, Brgy. Bongalonan, Basay, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday, March 4.
The operation was conducted by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office through the Provincial Intelligence Unit with support from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Police said the operation was launched after authorities received information about abandoned boxes of cigarettes in the area.
Operatives recovered more than 100 boxes of cigarettes that had no proper tax seals and the required graphic health warnings.
Authorities said the suspect or suspects had already fled the area before police arrived at the site.
The confiscated cigarettes are now under police custody while authorities continue their investigation to identify the individuals involved in the illegal activity.*
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