Authorities in Eastern Visayas seized smuggled cigarettes at Allen port, Northern Samar, on Jan. 22, 2026, as PRO-8 vowed to continue efforts to block the region from being a transit point for illegal shipments.Authorities in Eastern Visayas seized smuggled cigarettes at Allen port, Northern Samar, on Jan. 22, 2026, as PRO-8 vowed to continue efforts to block the region from being a transit point for illegal shipments. Photo courtesy of PRO-8.
The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) confiscated Php 1.95 million worth of undocumented cigarettes during 12 anti-smuggling operations across the region in January, authorities said Wednesday.
PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the seizures covered Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran, and were part of ongoing efforts to prevent the region from being used as a transit point for smuggled goods.
The operations also led to the arrest of 10 individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal trade.
Among the major hauls were 568 reams and 35 packs of cigarettes worth P1.068 million seized in Allen, Northern Samar; 14 boxes valued at P350,000 taken in Palo, Leyte; and 299 reams worth P299,000 confiscated in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
In Biliran, authorities reported the voluntary surrender of cigarettes valued at P82,778 that lacked proper health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps.
Capoy said the intensified operations align with national directives to combat smuggling and other illegal trade, and police will continue working with partner agencies to sustain enforcement.
He added that the volume and value of the seized products demonstrate the region’s commitment to stopping Eastern Visayas from becoming a hub for smuggled goods.