The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Cebu and the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) confiscated on Monday smuggled cigarettes valued at P20,431,800 in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Initial investigations revealed that the BIR Cebu requested assistance from the Police Regional Office 7, along with other police units, to launch a joint operation against the illicit smuggling of counterfeit cigarettes. The operation was conducted in Espina Compound in Sitio Sta. Cruz, and A.S. Fortuna Extension corner A. Del Rosario Street, both in Barangay Guizo.

Yielded during operation were 334 master cases and 167,765 packs of cigarettes, along with an additional five boxes containing 2,500 packs. Each cigarette stick has a market value of P6.

Among the brands of confiscated smuggled cigarettes were Alpen Green, Champion Green, United Menthol Green, Victor Agila Menthol Green, Trojen Green, Rosean Gold, Alpha Red and D and J Premium.

“This operation decisively addresses the escalating threat of smuggling, which undermines legitimate businesses and poses a serious risk to public health. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and strengthening the integrity of our economy,” said Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO-7 regional director.

The individuals apprehended, along with the seized evidence, have been transported to the RSPU-7 office for proper processing and will face charges in violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.