Police seized nearly P60 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in six anti-smuggling operations conducted from Friday to Sunday in different parts of the country, including a major operation in Negros Oriental.
The largest haul was reported in Basay, Negros Oriental, where operatives conducted an operation at around 11:15 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Labugon, Barangay Nagbo-alao, according to the Negros Island regional police.
Authorities said the operation led to the confiscation of 700 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at P40.1 million. Ten individuals were arrested.
Police also seized a 10-wheeler truck, a boat, a sports utility vehicle, a van, and two cellular phones during the operation.
In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police confiscated 57 master cases of cigarettes worth P3.2 million at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday. One suspect was arrested, according to the Philippine National Police.
Several other operations were carried out on Friday.
In Taytay, Palawan, police seized 5,321 reams of cigarettes worth P4.52 million and arrested one suspect during a raid conducted by virtue of a search warrant.
Also in Taytay on the same day, police operatives received 1,897 reams of cigarettes worth P1.66 million that were surrendered by an individual, the PNP said.
In Zamboanga City, police seized 26 master cases of cigarettes worth P3.84 million. The operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the confiscation of a delivery vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, police manning a checkpoint intercepted a truck carrying 4,900 reams of cigarettes valued at P5.73 million. Two suspects were arrested.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operations form part of the police organization’s broader campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities.
“These are part of our broader duty to protect the economy and ensure that the rule of law of law is prevailing in a proper manner,” Nartatez said.
“We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal activities while respecting the rights of everyone,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP will maintain coordination with other government agencies in the continuing campaign against cigarette smuggling across the country.