SMUGGLED cigarettes valued at P15 million were intercepted in Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, Aug. 5. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth P15 million and apprehended three individuals in Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The suspects were identified as Je, 32, driver, and Jo, 22, both residents of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Al, 27, of Sulu.
The Regional Intelligence Division (RID) received a report that smuggled cigarettes are being transported aboard a truck through a roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessel from Pagadian City for delivery to Dumaguete City.
Lawmen conducted an operation and intercepted the truck and arrested the suspects for violating Republic Act (RA) 10643 or The Graphic Health Warnings Law and RA 10863 or An Act Modernizing the Custom and Tariff Administration.
Recovered were 68 master cases of Walter Premium cigarettes and 195 master cases of Busqu Full Flavor cigarettes and 200 boxes of dried fish “tamban” worth P90,000.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, said their interception protected legitimate businesses, safeguarded government revenues, and prevented illegal products from circulating in the communities. He lauded operating units for a successful operation.
Cardiño said they will remain relentless in pursuing criminal activities that threaten public order and economic security. “We are committed to dismantling criminal networks and protecting the region from illicit activities that threaten public welfare and economic stability,” he added.