Police operatives seized an estimated ₱8.8 million worth of cigarettes and arrested three men during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 3, Isabela, Negros Occidental, early Sept. 25, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Negros Occidental.
The seized cigarettes were allegedly not carrying the required Graphic Health Warning, or GHW.
Three men were arrested during the operation. Two of them were identified as drivers, while the third was identified as a laborer.
According to the report, the suspects allegedly sold two master cases of cigarettes to a police poseur buyer during the buy-bust operation.
Aside from the two master cases involved in the transaction, authorities also recovered 174 master cases containing various cigarette brands from the suspects’ possession.
Police also recovered the buy-bust money, boodle money and a wing van truck allegedly used to transport the cigarettes.
Authorities also found 150 sacks of red onions inside the truck. The onions were placed under verification.
The confiscated cigarette products and the three suspects are now under CIDG custody.
The suspects may face charges for an alleged violation of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The law requires tobacco products covered by its provisions to carry graphic health warnings.
The report did not provide further details on the verification of the red onions or the identities of the three arrested men.
The confiscated products, money and vehicle remain in the custody of authorities as the case proceeds.
