President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat – Law enforcement officers intercepted a white Suzuki minivan carrying smuggled cigarettes worth ₱140,000 during a checkpoint operation at the Pedtubo Border Control Point in Barangay Pedtubo on December 4, 2024.
The operation, conducted at around 3:30 AM by personnel from the President Quirino Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit (SKPIU), and the 1st Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SKPMFC), flagged down the minivan with plate number MBE 2608. Upon inspection, officers discovered seven boxes of Titan cigarettes without the necessary legal documents.
Two individuals, a 34-year-old businessman and a 24-year-old driver, both residents of Barangay GPS, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, were arrested during the operation.
The suspects, along with the seized cigarettes, are now in the custody of the President Quirino MPS for documentation and further legal action.
Acting Provincial Director, Police Colonel Bernard L. Lao, lauded the officers for their vigilance and quick action. “These operations are crucial in curbing smuggling and protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illicit trade,” he stated.
This seizure is part of ongoing efforts to intensify campaigns against smuggling in Sultan Kudarat and uphold economic security in the region. Authorities continue to investigate the case and reaffirm their commitment to combating illegal activities.