The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confiscated an estimated PHP 2.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay 5, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Barangay Official's Report Led to Seizure
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-NIR Public Information Office chief, stated that the operation was made possible by the vigilance and prompt action of a barangay kagawad. The official immediately reported to the San Carlos City Police Station of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office about several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes abandoned along the roadside in San Juan Bonifacio.
Recovered Items and Value
Authorities recovered five boxes of Mew Mega Menthol cigarettes and 18 boxes of Red BOSQU cigarettes. Each box contained 100 reams, bringing the total estimated market value to PHP 2.3 million.
Proper Documentation and Turnover
Malong confirmed that all recovered items were properly documented at the scene and subsequently transported to the San Carlos City Police Station for safekeeping. The confiscated cigarettes will be referred and turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for verification and proper disposition.
Community Collaboration Highlighted
Malong emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the importance of active community participation and strong police-community collaboration in maintaining peace, order, and economic security across the region. She added that the regional police office remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the community and encouraging continued public cooperation in the intensified campaign against smuggling and other forms of criminality in the Negros Island Region.
