Police seize fake, smuggled cigarettes worth P225,900 in Leyte

PALO, Leyte — Intelligence operatives of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) arrested a woman for allegedly selling assorted fake and smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Barangay Tinawan, MacArthur, on 13 January 2026.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “San-san,” a 52-year-old businesswoman, was apprehended while allegedly selling counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes in violation of Sections 263 and 265 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

Sections 263 and 265 of the NIRC cover offenses and penalties involving excise tax articles and the failure to obey summons.

The operation was carried out by joint operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division–Regional Special Operations Unit 8 (RID-RSOU8), RR14–Eastern Visayas, and the MacArthur Municipal Police Station.

Seized from the suspect were assorted cigarettes of various brands, including 134 reams, one pack, and one loose stick of Delta cigarettes; 15 reams, nine packs, and four loose sticks of Cannon Menthol 100’s; seven reams, eight packs, and one loose stick of D&J cigarettes; and three reams, six packs, and one loose stick of Modern cigarettes. Authorities estimated the total market value of the seized items at P225,900.

The suspect was taken to the MacArthur Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition in accordance with established legal procedures.