Sipalay city: Police foiled a suspected smuggling run off Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of an estimated PHP21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group's 4th Special Operations Unit apprehended the suspects aboard the motorized vessel "Amor Pati" and seized both the boat and 525 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.

According to Philippines News Agency, 'Stopping these shipments before they reach the market is critical to protecting legitimate businesses and enforcing our laws. We will remain vigilant and strengthen our capability to detect and intercept smuggling activities,' PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Sunday.

The seven suspects face charges for violating the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Graphic Health Warnings Law. The National Tobacco Administration will determine the final value of the seized items.