POLICE authorities seized smuggled cigarettes worth more than P15 million and arrested three suspects during an operation at the Port of Dumaguete in Barangay Looc on Wednesday night, August 5, 2026.
Arrested was the driver of the Canter truck, identified only by the alias “Je,” 32, of Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
Also taken into custody were his companions, identified only as “Jo,” 22, of Barangay Bulatok, Pagadian City, and “Al,” 27, of Barangay Alulayag-layag, Parang, Sulu.
According to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo), authorities received intelligence information that a shipment of smuggled cigarettes from Pagadian City would arrive at the Port of Dumaguete aboard a Canter truck.
The Norppo coordinated with the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), Philippine Coast Guard, K9 Unit, Special Operations Unit, Bureau of Customs Subport of Dumaguete, and other law enforcement agencies to monitor the shipment.
When the vessel from Pagadian arrived, authorities inspected its cargo, particularly the large vehicles, and intercepted the truck carrying the suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Seized during the operation were 68 master cases of Walter Premium Cigarettes, 195 master cases of Busqu Full Flavor Cigarettes, 200 boxes of dried fish (“tamban”) worth an estimated P90,000, and the Canter truck used to transport the goods.
The total value of the confiscated items and the vehicle was estimated at P15,069,900.
The three suspects are now under the custody of the Dumaguete City Police Station for booking and documentation. The seized cigarettes were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Substation in Dumaguete City.
Police said the suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Police Brigadier General Romano Cardiño, director of the PRO-NIR, commended the operating units for the successful interception of the smuggled cigarettes before they reached Negros Island.
“The successful operation demonstrates the strength of intelligence-driven policing and close collaboration among law enforcement agencies. By intercepting these illicit goods before they reached the market, we protected legitimate businesses, safeguarded government revenues, and prevented illegal products from circulating in our communities. PRO-NIR will remain relentless in pursuing criminal activities that threaten public order and economic security,” Cardiño said.
The PRO-NIR also vowed to intensify security at seaports and airports to prevent the entry of smuggled goods, including illegal cigarettes. (AYB)
