The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region reported the confiscation of more than P138.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of 12 individuals in a series of operations conducted from April 5 to 19.
A total of 25 anti-illicit cigarette operations were carried out across the region, resulting in the seizure of about 56,393.5 reams of illegal tobacco products, the PRO NIR reported on Sunday, April 19.
The police said the operations were part of intensified, intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt cigarette smuggling and illegal trade routes in Negros Island.
Among the major accomplishments were the interception of P25 million worth of cigarettes in Himamaylan City on April 13, P3.3 million also in Himamaylan on the same day, P13.75 million in Hinobaan on April 17, and P45 million in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on April 19.
PRO-NIR said the sustained operations highlight its continued efforts to curb economic sabotage and prevent the distribution of illegal tobacco products in local markets.*
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