P20 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized by cops

CEBU, Philippines — Around P20 million worth of smuggled cigarettes transported inside a light-duty truck shipped from Negros Oriental were intercepted in Barangay Poblacion, Santander, a southern town in Cebu, during a joint intelligence-driven operation on Saturday, January 10.

According to a report from the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), the seized contraband included at least 200 boxes containing 50 reams of cigarettes each, bearing the brand name “Oris.”

Upon verification, the CPPO said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that the brand was not included in the latest list of registered tobacco products legally authorized for sale in the Philippines, hence categorizing the items as illegal.

The operation was carried out at around 11 p.m. on the said date through the joint enforcement of the Santander Municipal Police Station, CPPO, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division, and the Regional Special Project Unit (RSPU)-7.

Additionally, the BIR, Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Coast Guard also coordinated the operation by conducting a checkpoint based on verified intelligence.

During the operation, authorities intercepted a Foton Tornado closed van driven by a male individual and accompanied by another male helper.

The two, whose identities were not disclosed by the CPPO, are both residents of Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Further investigation revealed that the shipment originated from Negros Oriental, which aligned with previous intelligence reports.

When the two suspects were asked to present legal documents for the transport of the cigarettes, they were unable to produce any.

Both individuals were arrested, while the seized cigarettes and vehicle were brought to the RSPU-7 office, pending documentation and the filing of appropriate charges before the court.

They will face charges for violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, and Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which penalizes unlawful possession, transport, and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.

The CPPO asserted that the operation was enforced in line with the relentless campaign against cigarette smuggling, stressing that the illicit activity “deprives the government of lawful revenues, encourages unfair trade practices, and undermines consumer protection.”

Meanwhile, CPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr. said that border security operations and coordination with national agencies will continue to be strengthened to dismantle smuggling networks operating in and around the province.

The provincial director also commended the successful operation against the illegal tobacco trade, highlighting the effective inter-agency cooperation and decisive law enforcement in protecting the province from economic sabotage brought about by smuggling.

He also emphasized “stopping illicit tobacco products from entering Cebu protects government revenue, safeguards legitimate businesses, and upholds the rule of law.”