Escalante city: Police foiled a suspected smuggling run off Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday evening, resulting in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of an estimated PHP26.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that a 29-year-old male was arrested during the operation conducted in Barangay Alimango by personnel from the Regional Special Operations Group of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, in coordination with intelligence, maritime, provincial, city, and investigative units.

During the operation, the police recovered 447 master cases of cigarettes, which reportedly bore unauthorized tax seals and lacked the required health warning graphics. Based on the applicable Bureau of Customs standard price of PHP57,300 per master case, the seized cigarettes were estimated at PHP26,613,100.

The confiscated items were inventoried and documented in the presence of the individual taken into custody, a media representative, and barangay officials before being brought to the Escalante City Police Station for proper documentation and temporary custody.

Nartatez said the operation reflects the value of intelligence work and coordinated police action in addressing activities that undermine lawful commerce and government revenues. 'We have to stay ahead of these activities. Hindi sapat na hintayin nating kumalat ang mga illicit goods bago tayo kumilos (It is not enough for us to wait for illicit goods to spread before we act). Through intelligence and coordination, we can intervene early and protect legitimate businesses and the public,' said Nartatez.

He added that the PNP will continue strengthening partnerships with other government agencies, particularly in areas vulnerable to the movement of illicit goods.