PALO, Leyte — Over P1 million worth of fake and smuggled cigarettes were seized in a joint operation at Balwarte Port in Barangay Looc, Allen, Northern Samar, on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.

The operation followed the arrest of two businessmen on 19 January 2026 who were caught selling fake and smuggled cigarettes in their stores without the required legal documents.

P/Col. Orlando Gardiola, officer in charge of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, said the two businessmen were selling undocumented cigarettes when they were spotted by personnel from the Allen Municipal Police Station and the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, which were conducting patrol and police visibility operations in the area.

Gardiola reminded the public to refrain from supporting illegal trade.

“We strongly urge the public not to patronize fake and smuggled products. Buying illegal goods fuels criminal activities and deprives the government of much-needed revenue for public services,” he said.

Police Regional Office 8 regional director P/BGen. Jason Capoy said the two-day operation was conducted in support of the enforcement of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The Wednesday operation resulted in the arrest of alias “Ish,” a 41-year-old truck driver, and alias “Rod,” a 32-year-old truck helper, both residents of Catarman, Northern Samar. They were arrested for possession and transport of fake and smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P1,050,000.

The joint operating team was composed of personnel from the Allen Municipal Police Station, 1st NSPMFC, Special Operations Unit and Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, Coast Guard Station Northern Samar, K9 Field Operating Unit Eastern Visayas, CG Team Allen, and the Coast Guard Intelligence Group Eastern Visayas.

Capoy said PRO-8 remains committed to sustaining intensified operations against illegal trade.

“PRO 8 remains committed to enforcing the law, and I encourage the public to report any illegal activities and refrain from trading smuggled and counterfeit goods,” he said.