VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Authorities in Valencia City have confiscated and destroyed more than ₱436,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate law enforcement operations aimed at curbing the illegal sale of untaxed tobacco products in the city’s public market.
₱240K Worth Seized by Police in Joint Market Operation
In the first operation, personnel of the Valencia City Police Station, led by PLtCol Bryan M. Panganiban, in coordination with the City Economic Enterprise Office and the City Market Inspectorate, conducted a crackdown on unauthorized ambulant vendors at the Valencia City Public Market in Barangay Poblacion.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 243 reams and 572 packs of assorted smuggled cigarettes, including brands such as Fort, Modern, Magnate, Commando, Mighty, Winston, Marlboro, and Fortune, among others. Authorities placed the total market value at ₱240,160.
Police officials praised the operating units for their swift and coordinated action, saying the interception of smuggled cigarettes reinforces the government’s campaign against illicit trade that deprives the state of revenues and threatens public health.
The vendors involved were issued warnings for their first offense, while the confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the City Economic Enterprise Office for proper disposition.
₱196K Worth Destroyed by Market Inspectorate
In a separate operation, the Valencia City Central Market Inspectorate dismantled and destroyed another batch of confiscated smuggled cigarettes to prevent them from being reused or resold.
Inspectorate team head Ronaldo Bolivar said the cigarettes were deliberately soaked in water, rendering them unfit for consumption. This batch consisted of around 280 reams, or an estimated 2,800 packs, of assorted cigarette brands with an estimated market value of ₱196,000.
Bolivar emphasized that the destruction was carried out to ensure that confiscated illegal goods would not find their way back into the market.
Sustained Crackdown vs. Illicit Trade
Authorities reiterated that operations against smuggled cigarettes and illegal vending will continue, warning sellers and suppliers that repeat violations will be dealt with more severely. Local officials stressed that the sustained crackdown is crucial to protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses, and maintaining order in Valencia City’s commercial centers.