Kiamba, Sarangani Province – Law enforcement officers from the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) successfully intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth approximately PHP 215,600 during an operation on November 19, 2024, in Sitio Lenik, Barangay Nalus, Kiamba.
The SPMFC personnel informed the Kiamba Municipal Police Station (MPS) of the operation, which involved intercepting a vehicle transporting the contraband. Kiamba MPS, in coordination with the Sarangani Provincial Police Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO PIU), responded to the alert and secured a Rusi Chariot tricycle without a license plate.
The suspects, identified as alias “Ama,” a 24-year-old married male, and alias “Maro,” a 21-year-old single male, both residents of Barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani Province, were apprehended at the scene.
Details of the Confiscated Items
The seized items included:
- Two (2) boxes of Gajah Baru cigarettes, each containing four (4) cases, and an additional seven (7) cases of Gajah Baru cigarettes (valued at PHP 119,000.00).
- Three (3) boxes of Berlin cigarettes with 50 rims per box (valued at PHP 51,600.00).
- Three (3) boxes of Fort cigarettes with 50 rims per box (valued at PHP 45,000.00).
The total market value of the confiscated goods was estimated at PHP 215,600.
The suspects failed to provide legal documentation for the transport and possession of the cigarettes, leading to their arrest under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Next Steps
The suspects and the seized items were brought to the Kiamba MPS for proper documentation and disposition. Authorities continue to intensify their operations against the smuggling of goods in the province to curb illegal activities and protect the local economy.
This latest operation underscores the commitment of the Sarangani law enforcement agencies to uphold the law and maintain order in the region.
