The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), seized approximately P4.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes concealed inside a refrigerated van in Ilog, Negros Occidental, on October 21. Authorities confiscated 3,754 reams of imported cigarettes that lacked the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps. The van’s driver and an alleged accomplice, both reportedly residents of Dipolog City, were taken into police custody as investigations continue. The BOC said the operation forms part of its intensified anti-smuggling campaign to protect government revenue and promote fair trade.