Photo courtesy of PNP
Police intercepted 447 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth about Php 26.6 million during an intelligence-driven operation in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday evening.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the shipment was seized in Barangay Alimango, where authorities also took a 29-year-old man into custody after he was allegedly found in possession and control of the cigarettes.
Police said the seized products carried suspected unauthorized tax seals and lacked the required graphic health warnings.
Using the Bureau of Customs standard valuation of Php 57,300 per master case, authorities placed the total value of the haul at Php 26.61 million.
The operation was led by the Regional Special Operations Group of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, with support from intelligence, maritime, provincial, city and investigative police units.
Authorities inventoried and documented the confiscated cigarettes in the presence of the man, a media representative and barangay officials before bringing the shipment to the Escalante City Police Station.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said intelligence work and inter-unit coordination helped authorities move against the shipment before the suspected illicit goods could circulate further.
“We have to stay ahead of these activities. Hindi sapat na hintayin nating kumalat ang mga illicit goods bago tayo kumilos. Through intelligence and coordination, we can intervene early and protect legitimate businesses and the public,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it would continue working with other government agencies to curb the movement of suspected illicit goods, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to smuggling and illegal trade.