Authorities destroyed 377 boxes of suspected illegal and untaxed cigarettes worth ₱38.7 million during a joint inspection and disposal operation in Bacolod City on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
According to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the seized and voluntarily surrendered cigarettes had an estimated value of ₱38,781,500.
The cigarettes were confiscated during separate operations conducted by Police Stations 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
The joint inspection and disposal were held at around 3 p.m. at the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Felisa, in coordination with various government agencies.
Verification by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) found that the inspected cigarette products lacked the required graphic health warnings and BIR tax stamps.
Authorities said the confiscations stemmed from incidents involving the illegal transportation, possession, delivery and distribution of cigarettes within the city.
The BCPO said the disposal was part of its campaign against illegal trade, aimed at protecting legitimate businesses and consumers.
The operation involved the police and other government agencies working together to inspect and properly dispose of the confiscated tobacco products.
