By Judy Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – Police in Negros Oriental have intensified border security operations at the province’s boundary with Negros Occidental following the seizure of PHP5.26 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Mabinay town.
Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), said the Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion is spearheading border control operations, particularly along the Mabinay-Kabankalan route, to prevent the possible entry and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.
“Mabinay police are still investigating whether the suspected smuggled cigarettes were bound for Negros Oriental or Negros Occidental, although the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Negros Island Region led the anti-cigarette smuggling operation,” Poinar said Saturday.
The CIDG, through the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), reported that three individuals were arrested during an entrapment operation late Thursday in Barangay Old Namangka, Mabinay.
The suspects were allegedly caught selling five master cases of cigarettes to an undercover operative, resulting in the seizure of a total of 81 master cases of various brands.
Authorities also seized a van and a pickup truck believed to have been used in transporting the cigarette products.
The CIDG said the cigarettes lacked the mandatory graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps. The suspects also failed to present necessary documents authorizing their lawful possession, distribution, or sale.
The suspects are facing complaints for violations of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law; Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act; and relevant provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code. (PNA)
