Manila: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas), in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), confiscated more than PHP25 million worth of cigarettes in the municipality of Estancia in Iloilo province on Thursday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, alias Jelyn, a 42-year-old self-employed resident of the town, was arrested for alleged unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment. Seized in separate operations were 30,098 packs of assorted illicit cigarettes-1,448 from Barangay Zone I, Poblacion, and 28,650 from Barangay Lumbia-with a total estimated value of PHP25.07 million, inclusive of tax penalties.

The operations were conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by the Executive Judge of Branch 71, 6th Judicial Region, and BIR revenue and mission orders issued by the Regional Director of Revenue Region 11. Acting PRO-6 Director, Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o, stated that the police will continue to support partner agencies through intelligence-driven operations to ensure that violators are held accountable.

"This accomplishment reflects the strength of intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement action against illegal trade. Illicit cigarettes deprive the government of lawful revenues, undermine legitimate businesses, and expose the public to unregulated products," Tua±o said. He also urged the public to report suspicious activities involving the manufacture, transport, storage, or sale of illicit products.