TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes and apprehended two individuals during a joint land interdiction operation in Brgy. San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The operation was carried out by a composite team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 8 (PDEA-8), Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), Palo Municipal Police Station–Special Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in line with directives to intensify enforcement against smuggling and illicit trade.
The suspects, identified as alias “Tino,” 54, and alias “Vita,” 43, both residents of Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City, were flagged down while traveling in a Toyota Hi-Ace van.
Inspection revealed several boxes of San Marino King Size cigarettes hidden beneath other goods. Each box contained 50 reams, with an estimated value of P400–P500 per ream. Although K9 units initially signaled a possible narcotics presence, field tests by a PDEA chemist confirmed the cigarettes were not laced with illegal drugs.
Authorities noted potential violations of customs and revenue laws and coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper evaluation. The confiscated cigarettes and suspects were subsequently turned over to the BOC for disposition.
PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy stressed the PNP’s commitment to combat illegal trade: “No individual should profit from illegal activities at the expense of those who conduct business fairly and lawfully.”
The operation highlights ongoing inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and maintain law and order in Eastern Visayas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
