PALO, Leyte — Regional police intelligence operatives arrested a 52-year-old businesswoman Tuesday for allegedly selling counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Tinawan.

The suspect, identified as alias “San-san,” was apprehended during a joint operation by the Police Regional Office 8, the Regional Special Operations Unit, and the MacArthur Municipal Police Station.

Police said the woman was caught selling assorted cigarettes in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code, specifically sections regarding the illegal possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment.

Authorities seized an estimated P225,900 worth of contraband. The confiscated items included 134 reams of Delta cigarettes, along with various quantities of Cannon Menthol 100’s, D&J and Modern brands.

The suspect was taken to the MacArthur Municipal Police Station for documentation and processing.

The operation is part of an ongoing crackdown by Eastern Visayas authorities on the sale of untaxed and counterfeit tobacco products, which officials say deprives the government of revenue and poses additional health risks to consumers.