Photo courtesy of PNP
Police seized about Php 3.33 million worth of suspected illicit cigarettes and arrested a 39-year-old fisherman in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on August 19.
The Philippine National Police said 3,700 reams of cigarettes were found in Barangay Linaon after authorities acted on information about the reported loading of suspected smuggled products in the area.
Police said the suspect, who also worked as a tricycle driver, was allegedly waiting with the cigarette products for another vehicle to pick them up. A closed van reportedly linked to the shipment had already left before authorities arrived.
The seized items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials and brought to the 4th Special Operations Unit headquarters for documentation.
The National Tobacco Administration is expected to examine the products to determine whether they are illicit before further proceedings are undertaken.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the operation showed the importance of acting quickly on information while ensuring that seized items are properly documented.
“I commend our personnel on the ground for acting promptly on the information and ensuring that the seized items were properly documented and turned over for evaluation. Their alertness and teamwork helped prevent these products from reaching the market,” Nartatez said.
He also urged the public to report suspicious activities linked to illicit trade, noting that such operations can affect legitimate businesses and government revenues.