Tacloban: The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) has pledged to continue its rigorous campaign against smuggled cigarettes to prevent the region from being exploited as a conduit for illegal goods.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy emphasized the relentless nature of their anti-smuggling efforts, even after achieving significant success in January. The PRO-8 successfully confiscated PHP1.95 million worth of undocumented cigarette products in 12 anti-smuggling operations conducted across the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.

Capoy highlighted the importance of these operations, stating, "The volume and value of confiscated items show our commitment to preventing Eastern Visayas from being used as a transit point for smuggled goods. We will continue intensified operations with partner agencies." The operations resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals suspected of smuggling activities.

The sustained enforcement actions align with directives to bolster nationwide efforts against illegal trade, smuggling, and other related illicit activities. Among the significant seizures were 568 reams and 35 packs of smuggled cigarettes, valued at PHP1.068 million, confiscated in separate operations in Allen, Northern Samar, on January 19 and 21.

A land interdiction operation in Palo, Leyte, on January 22 led to the seizure of 14 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes worth PHP350,000. Additionally, on January 23, authorities confiscated 299 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP299,000 during an operation in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

In a noteworthy instance in Biliran province, police authorities reported the voluntary surrender of assorted cigarettes worth PHP82,778, which lacked graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps.