P5.6-M smuggled cigarettes seized

Authorities confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at P5.6 million during a joint operation Monday night in Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Perrelos.

The operation involved personnel from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs. According to a report submitted to Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, officials intercepted a sports utility vehicle loaded with undocumented tobacco products.

The seizure included 70 small boxes containing 25 reams each and 21 large boxes containing 50 reams each. Investigators said the items lacked the required permits and BIR certification necessary for legal sale and distribution.

Police arrested the driver, a 43-year-old businessman identified as Pauti, a resident of Barangay Perrelos.

CPPO Provincial Director Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. said the operation was the result of verified intelligence reports.

He stressed that the seizure is part of a broader, ongoing effort to curb illegal trade and protect government revenue.