P40M worth of fake cigarettes seized in Negros Oriental

JOINT operatives of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police intercepted around  700 master cases of alleged illicit cigarettes bearing unauthorized tax seals aboard a jongkong boat in the coastal waters of Basay, Negros Oriental on May 16, 2026.

Based on the initial assessment, the seized alleged illicit cigarettes have an estimated market value of approximately Php 40 million based on the prevailing undocumented market price.

The seized contraband and ten apprehended individuals are now under the custody of the PNP pending further investigation and filing of appropriate charges.

The apprehended individuals will face appropriate criminal charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as other applicable Philippine laws.