Police seized more than P5.2 million worth of untaxed cigarettes and arrested a 38-year-old woman in an operation in Estancia, Iloilo, authorities said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the suspect, a resident of Carles, Iloilo, was apprehended around 7:45 p.m. on April 23 in Barangay Jolog for violating Republic Act No. 11467, which governs excise taxes on tobacco and other products.
The operation was conducted by a joint team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Estancia Municipal Police Station, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office 75.
Thousands of cigarette packs of various brands, intended for distribution without proper tax payments or documentation, have been confiscated. The total value of the seized goods, including penalties for unpaid excise taxes, was estimated at P5,227,837.09.
BIR personnel conducted an on-site inventory of the items in the presence of the suspect and a barangay official to ensure proper documentation of the evidence.
Authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb the illicit trade of excisable goods, which deprives the government of revenue and disrupts legitimate businesses. The crackdown also aligns with the PNP’s campaign to intensify enforcement against economic offenses and tax violations.
Nartatez reiterated the police force’s commitment to pursuing individuals involved in illegal trade, stressing that such activities constitute fraud against both the government and the public.
He added that the operation serves as a warning that those found in possession of untaxed goods will face legal consequences, as authorities continue to strengthen efforts against smuggling and tax evasion.