CAUAYAN CITY — Police operatives and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) workers seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth P82.713 million from three traders, including two Chinese, in an operation at TD Hotel, Barangay District 1 in this city, on June 25.

Isabela police director Col. Manuel Bringas said the traders, named only as Willy and the two Chinese — nicknamed Michael and Lisa — were arrested for questioning.

Police received a tip from informants that the traders were allegedly selling wholesale to agents.

Policemen pounced inside the hotel’s rooms 24 and 26 after being authorized by a mission order from the BIR, which authorized them to conduct tax compliance, inspection and enforcement activities, including the confiscation of illicit cigarettes, raw materials, packaging items and equipment in unlicensed manufacture of cigarette products.

Seized were 88 boxes of Bon International Nise Red and 20 boxes of Modern 100s Green at Room 24, and 90 boxes of Bon International Nise Red and four boxes of Bon International Nise Blue at Room 26 of the said hotel.

The confiscated items were worth P82.713 million, based on the authorities’ assessment.