Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have intensified their campaign against cigarette smuggling following the discovery of an alleged contraband holding area in Tanjay City and the arrest of another suspect.
According to Philippines News Agency, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) Director Col. Timmar Alam stated during a press conference that cigarette smuggling has become more evident in the province, prompting authorities to step up enforcement operations. From June 1 to 26, the police conducted 67 anti-smuggling operations that resulted in the confiscation of approximately PHP2.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
During the same period, the NOrPPO also carried out 59 anti-drug operations, seizing about PHP5.1 million worth of suspected shabu and arresting two high-value individuals and 58 street-level suspects. Despite the recent seizures, Alam said he does not believe Negros Oriental serves as a transshipment point for smuggled cigarettes. "I do not believe that we are a transit point for smuggled cigarettes as these are usually shipped here for local consumption," he said.
The latest suspect, identified only as 23-year-old alias "Jaymar," was arrested on July 4 during a follow-up operation, NOrPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar said. Police caught the suspect in possession of two master cases containing 25 reams of Fort brand cigarettes and 50 reams of Bosqu brand cigarettes believed to have been smuggled. His arrest came days after four other suspects were apprehended in Vallehermoso town when the vehicles they were riding figured in separate crashes, leading authorities to discover several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Alam said the NOrPPO is working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police, port police, and other law enforcement agencies to tighten security at seaports and prevent the entry of smuggled cigarettes and other contraband into the province. Police also reported the arrest of 167 wanted persons, confiscation of 63 loose firearms, and arrest of 10 individuals for alleged illegal possession of firearms. Under the enforcement of local ordinances supporting the Safe Cities initiative, authorities issued 2,599 citations and impounded 147 motor vehicles.
