CONTRABAND. Cartons of suspected smuggled cigarettes are seen strewn on the ground in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on Saturday (July 4, 2026). Police arrested four male suspects in two separate vehicles, following the receipt of information that they were transporting alleged smuggled cigarettes. (PNA photo courtesy of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office)
Police arrested four male suspects and seized some PHP2.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on Saturday.
Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the suspects, who were onboard two vehicles, were the subject of the operation after a tipster said they were transporting alleged smuggled cigarettes.
“The suspects were travelling from Guihulngan City to Vallehermoso when the police received the tip at around 3 a.m., prompting the setting up of checkpoints,” Polinar said.
While trying to evade police blockades, the two vehicles figured in accidents at separate sites in Vallehermoso, he added.
Authorities recovered a total of 29 master cases and 1,184 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes from the crash sites.
One reportedly lost control in Barangay Puan, Vallehermoso, as several master cases and reams of the cigarettes tossed out of the vehicle.
The driver was extricated by emergency responders while his passenger was arrested onsite.
In Barangay Molobolo, the other vehicle crashed into the roadside railings, causing injuries to the driver and the passenger.
They were all taken to the Vallehermoso Rural Health Unit.
Two of the suspects are from Misamis Oriental, one is from Lanao del Sur and the other from Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
The suspects are now in the custody of the Vallehermoso police as appropriate charges are being readied against them. (PNA)