Sibulan: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has successfully intercepted approximately PHP3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the Sibulan port, an official reported Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, the Coast Guard-Negros Oriental station commander, stated that a wing van traveling from Negros Occidental was stopped at the Sibulan port by a joint team from the Maritime Police and the Bureau of Customs around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
"Acting on a tip, Coast Guard personnel found 100 boxes of cigarettes without the necessary documents upon inspection," Enopia said. The seized boxes contained a total of 8,630 reams of cigarettes, all wrapped in plastic. Brands identified among the contraband included Thunder, Alpha, and Alpha Light.
Authorities have detained two individuals in connection with the smuggling operation. An investigation is ongoing to determine the ownership and intended recipient of the shipment. The van was reportedly en route to the port in Liloan, Cebu.
The smuggled goods have been handed over to the Bureau of Customs for inventory and appropriate action.