SMUGGLED cigarettes valued at P14.6 million were found in Barangay Malingin, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Aug. 6. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – Smuggled cigarettes valued at P14.6 million were recovered in Purok Narra, Barangay Malingin, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said a checkpoint was conducted following reports that untaxed cigarettes will be distributed within the city.
Police flagged down a white Isuzu aluminum van. Driver Kev, 32, of Zamboanga City, voluntarily opened the rear cargo compartment and cargo which appeared to contain bundles of laundry appeared.
While conducting visual inspection, police saw reams of "Concept" cigarettes under the laundry.
The driver was questioned and revealed that the shipment was loaded from a compound in Purok Narra, Barangay Malingin, Bago City.
Police proceeded to the compound and two men inside noticed them approaching and fled.
Lawmen, with barangay officials, entered for verification and discovered about 255 boxes of smuggled cigarettes inside a room.
Police Lt. Col. James Latayon, Bago police chief, said the two men who escaped will be initially charged for disobedience of person in authority as authorities evaluate the possible cases that will be filed against them and the owner of the compound.
Latayon said the contraband reportedly came from Mindanao. He added the driver will be released from custody after cooperating with authorities.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, commended operating units for another successful anti-smuggling operation.
"Every illicit shipment intercepted is a significant step in protecting government revenues, preserving fair trade, and denying criminal organizations the opportunity to profit from illegal activities," he added.