Authorities recovered P594,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes from an abandoned truck in Barangay Salong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Thursday, Aug. 20. (Photo from PRO‑NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities recovered suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P594,000 from an abandoned truck in Sitio Tapol, Barangay Salong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Police operatives acted on a report about a suspicious vehicle parked inside a lot for five days, leading to the discovery of 1,100 reams of illicit cigarettes.
The seized items were turned over to the Kabankalan City Police Station and will be referred to proper enforcement agencies for disposition.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, director of Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO‑NIR), vowed to remain relentless in disrupting the movement of illicit goods, stressing that the recovery reflects their vigilance against illegal trade.
This follows the seizure of P21 million worth of contraband during a seaborne patrol in Sipalay City last week, and P14.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes confiscated in Bago City.
From January to June, the campaign against cigarette smuggling yielded P195 million worth of seizures and led to the arrest of 52 individuals. PRO‑NIR continues to step up efforts to secure maritime routes and prevent the illegal movement of goods.
The regional office urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating illicit trade.