P15M illegal cigarettes intercepted in Dumaguete

BACOLOD CITY - The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region intercepted more than P15 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals during a coordinated operation at the Port Area in Barangay Looc on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 5.Arrested were the alias "Jo," 32, driver, and resident of Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and his two passengers - Jo from Pagadian City and Al of Parang, Sulu.The operation was led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of NOrPPO, with support from RID PRO-NIR, the Philippine Coast Guard, K9 Unit, SOU, Marsleg, CGS-NOR, CGIU-SV, Bureau of Customs Subport of Dumaguete, PPA Port Police, PHPT Negros Oriental, Negros Oriental Maritime Police Station, Sibulan MPS and Dumaguete CPS.The authorities acted on intelligence report from RID PRO NIR regarding a green Canter truck carrying smuggled cigarettes aboard a RORO vessel from Pagadian City bound for Dumaguete.Upon arrival at the port, authorities intercepted the vehicle and arrested the occupants who were caught in possession of illegal and undocumented cigarettes in violation of RA 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.Seized during the operation were 263 master cases of cigarettes composed of Walter Premium and Busqu Full Flavor brands with an estimated value of P15,069,900.Also confiscated were the green Canter truck used to transport the goods and approximately 200 boxes of dried "tamban" fish worth around P90,000.The entire operation was recorded using body-worn cameras in compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC.The suspects were informed of the charges and their constitutional rights before inventory and marking of evidence were conducted.They were brought to the Dumaguete City Police Station for booking and documentation, while the confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Substation Dumaguete for safekeeping and disposition.BGen. Romano Cardi o, regional director of PRO-NIR, lauded the operation and said that the success reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency cooperation.He added that intercepting the contraband before it reached the market helped protect legitimate businesses, preserve government revenues, and keep illegal products out of communities.