Iloilo: Over PHP5.22 million worth of illegal cigarettes were seized by authorities in an operation in northern Iloilo, according to a belated report released Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) stated that the operation was jointly conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Unit-Iloilo Police Provincial Office and Bureau of Internal Revenue Revenue District Office No. 75-Northern Iloilo on Thursday.

Confiscated were 6,494 packs of assorted brands of untaxed cigarettes, including RGD Classic, Carnival Menthol, Victor Aguila variants, Journey Red, New Mega Green, Thunder Menthol, Modern Cigarettes, Modern 100 Black Menthol, Far-Star King Size, Tattoo Design, and Oris Menthol, as mentioned in the PRO-6 news release.

The items were seized from an individual known by the alias 'Leslie' in Barangay Jolog, Estancia. The seizure was conducted under the authority of a Revenue Regional Special Order and Mission Order issued by Revenue Region No. 11.

PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan emphasized their commitment to intensifying efforts against all forms of illegal trade. "Let this serve as a warning that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable under the full force of the law," Ligan stated.