Bacolod city: The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Negros Oriental is ramping up its anti-smuggling efforts in the province following the seizure of 'smuggled' cigarettes in Basay town over the weekend. Police Executive M/Sgt. Aurelio Bodo, chief of the Special Operations Team for Negros Oriental at the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-Negros Island Region, disclosed that there may be significant smuggling activities originating from Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, investigations into these purported smuggling operations began as early as July. Prior to a recent operation, discussions were held with Negros Oriental Executive Judge Marie Rose Inocando and BIR-Regional District Office 079 (Dumaguete) chief Remedios Advincula Jr. for guidance on the approach to tackle these activities.

On Saturday, a joint team led by the HPG confiscated numerous boxes of contraband cigarettes at a private property in Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay town. Individuals loading cigarette boxes onto delivery panels fled upon noticing the authorities, resulting in no arrests at the time. However, efforts are underway to trace the vehicle plates involved in the operation.

Bodo confirmed that four vehicles were present at the scene, with only one fully loaded with cigarette boxes. The vehicle carrying the contraband was taken to the HPG-NIR headquarters in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental for inventory, while the remaining vehicles are under the custody of the Basay police station.

Investigations are ongoing to verify reports that at least five individuals were allegedly sending untaxed cigarettes to Negros Oriental via Basay town, which is the closest point from Mindanao.