BACOLOD CITY – Three individuals were arrested in a checkpoint in Barangay Panubigan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday night, May 21, for allegedly smuggling 250 reams of assorted cigarettes valued at P1.2 million.
THREE persons were arrested for cigarette smuggling in Barangay Panubigan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, May 21. (Photo via Canlaon Pulis/FB)
Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for Negros Oriental police, said the vehicle, which had no license plate, was flagged down in line with the province’s “no plate, no travel” policy.
Upon inspection, the suspects – two men from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, aged 33 and 39, and a 53-year-old from Zamboanga City – failed to produce vehicle documents.
This prompted police to search the van, leading to the discovery of the contraband.
The source of the confiscated items remains under investigation.
Police are investigating if the suspects are linked to the smuggling of cigarettes valued at P12.8 million in Cauayan, Negros Occidental on May 19.
Charges will be filed against the three suspects under Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.