Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Authorities confiscated contraband cigarettes valued at about Php 4.7 million in a maritime operation in Sitio Lintog, Barangay Nagbo-alao, before dawn on March 14, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group’s 4th Special Operations Unit with support from the Basay Municipal Police Station and the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office. The teams acted on a tip about illegal unloading activity along the coast.
Officials said several individuals fled the area when authorities arrived, leaving behind numerous boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes. A wooden motorized banca reportedly used to transport the goods escaped before police could intercept it.
A subsequent inspection of the abandoned cargo led to the seizure of 83 boxes of branded cigarettes. Authorities estimated the total value at Php 4,755,900, including Php 4,469,000 worth of white-pack and Php 286,900 worth of red-pack cigarettes. A Barangay Kagawad witnessed the inventory of the contraband at the site.
The confiscated items were brought to the 4th Special Operations Unit headquarters for documentation, with the National Tobacco Administration set to determine the official valuation and assessment.
“Smuggling activities weaken legitimate trade and deprive the government of essential revenues. The Philippine National Police remains firm in protecting our maritime borders and ensuring that illegal trade networks are disrupted,” PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr said.
“Hindi natin papayagan na maging daanan ng kontrabando ang ating mga baybayin. Patuloy na kikilos ang PNP upang pigilan ang pagpasok ng mga kontrabando at panagutin ang mga nasa likod ng ganitong gawain,” he added.
