Mabinay:Negros Oriental Police in Negros Oriental have intensified their border security operations at the province's boundary with Negros Occidental following the seizure of PHP5.26 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Mabinay town.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated that the Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion is leading the border control efforts, particularly along the Mabinay-Kabankalan route, to prevent the entry and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.

The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the seized cigarettes were intended for Negros Oriental or Negros Occidental. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Negros Island Region spearheaded the anti-smuggling operation. During an entrapment operation, three individuals were arrested in Barangay Old Namangka, Mabinay, after allegedly selling five master cases of cigarettes to an undercover operative. This led to the seizure of a total of 81 master cases of various brands.

Authorities also confiscated a van and a pickup truck believed to have been used to transport the cigarette products. The CIDG reported that the cigarettes did not have the required graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps. The suspects could not provide the necessary documents authorizing their legal possession, distribution, or sale of the cigarettes.

The suspects are facing complaints for violations of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act, and relevant provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code.