₱15M in illicit cigarettes confiscated in Dumaguete City

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region has intercepted ₱15 million worth of illicit cigarettes and apprehended three individuals during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation in the Port Area of Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental on Wednesday evening, Aug. 5, 2026.

The apprehended individuals were identified as alias Je, 32, with a live-in partner, and a resident of Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and driver of a canter truck; and its passengers who were identified as alias Jo, 22, a resident of Barangay Bulataok, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and alias Al, 27, a resident of Barangay Alu Layag-layag, Parang, Sulu.

The operation was led by Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division, K9 Unit, Bureau of Customs Subport of Dumaguete, and other concerned government agencies.

Tip led to interception

Based on the investigation, authorities received information that smuggled cigarettes were transported via a green canter truck and a vessel from Pagadian City.

Authorities immediately took action and established an operation at the port that resulted in the interception of the truck and apprehension of the suspects.

The suspects failed to present permits upon their arrest, a violation of Republic Act 10643 or The Graphic Health Warnings Law and Republic Act 10863 or An Act Modernizing the Customs and Tariff Administration.

A total of 263 master cases of illicit cigarettes were confiscated.

Police Brigadier Gen. Romano Cardiño, regional director of the police on the Negros Island Region, said that the operation was a result of an intelligence-driven and inter-agency collaboration against smuggling and other transnational crimes.

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