Smuggled cigarettes seized in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Smuggled cigarettes worth P2.8 million were seized in a police operation in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

The contraband was found at a mangrove area located along the banks of the Malogo River in Barangay Pasil.

A tipster informed the local police that a makeshift warehouse was being constructed near the river, prompting Maj. Eric Doronilla, chief of the E.B. Magalona police, to deploy his men in the area.

Police recovered 140 large boxes of cigarettes marked “Brave.” Each box contained 50 reams of cigarettes.

Doronilla said initial investigation indicated the cigarettes were transported in the area using small boats.

Two people hired to build the warehouse were taken to the police station for questioning.

On May 19, members of the Maritime Police seized P12.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a coastal village in Cauayan town.

Doronilla said it was possible that the cigarettes seized in E.B. Magalona and Cauayan originated from Mindanao.

On May 21, a van with no license plate was intercepted at a checkpoint in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

The van driver and his two passengers failed to present documents for the transport of 250 reams of assorted cigarettes valued at  P1.2 million.