Politics · Philippines Bureau
Police destroy nearly P39 million in contraband cigarettes in Bacolod
Authorities in Bacolod City have destroyed a massive cache of illegal and untaxed cigarettes valued at approximately P38.78 million. The joint operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and tax evasion in the region.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bacolod City Police Office, led by Police Colonel Eugene N. Rebadomia, oversaw the destruction of the contraband cigarettes at the city's sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa on Wednesday afternoon. The operation was conducted in coordination with other government agencies as part of a crackdown on illicit tobacco products circulating in the market.
The seized cigarettes, valued at P38.78 million, represent a significant loss to smuggling operations and a victory for law enforcement tasked with protecting government tax revenues. Such contraband typically bypasses customs and excise taxes, depriving the national government of substantial income.
The destruction operation reflects intensified enforcement against the illegal cigarette trade, which remains a persistent challenge across the Philippines. Authorities continue to coordinate across agencies to identify, intercept, and eliminate untaxed tobacco products before they reach consumers.
The Bacolod City Police Office did not immediately disclose details regarding where the cigarettes were seized or how long the investigation leading to the discovery took.