BACOLOD CITY – Police intercepted 133 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P2 million in Barangay Isio, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Sunday, Feb. 12.

Lt. Raffy Billones, deputy chief of the Cauayan Municipal Police Station, said they conducted surveillance after receiving information about the transport of smuggled cigarettes through a pumpboat from Dipolog City to Negros Occidental.
They intercepted Dandy Calago, 28, of Dipolog City; and Rolando Lanario, 27; and Joel Carvana, 42, residents of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, in the shore of Barangay Isio.
Billones said the suspects failed to present pertinent documents authorizing them to transport the tobacco product. He said the suspects denied they are transporting contraband.
Each box contained 50 reams of cigarettes, according to Billones, but they have yet to ascertain if these are genuine.
Police are coordinating with the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for the filing of appropriate charges against the three suspects.