Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat — December 8, 2024
An intensified anti-smuggling campaign by Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) personnel has yielded significant results, with the confiscation of 3,000 reams of smuggled cigarettes valued at Php 3,222,000.00 and the arrest of two alleged smugglers during a checkpoint operation in Purok Kaunlaran, Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
The operation, conducted under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, involved personnel from the 1202nd Maneuver Company, RMFB 12, Lambayong Municipal Police Station, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office (SKPPO), and the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) 12.
Authorities flagged down two mini-vans—one silver and one white—driven by individuals identified by their aliases, “Nor,” 31, and “Guy,” 33, both residents of Purok Riverside, Barangay New Cebu, Lambayong. Upon inspection, the team discovered 100 boxes containing a total of 3,000 reams of New Berlin cigarettes. The drivers failed to present legal documentation for transporting the goods, prompting their immediate arrest.
The smuggled cigarettes were seized under the plain view doctrine, and the marking and inventory of evidence were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and local Barangay officials. The arrested individuals and the seized items were later brought to Lambayong Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
PBGEN Ardiente reaffirmed the commitment of PRO 12 to addressing illegal activities in the region. “Illegal trade and the support of counterfeit goods are just as serious as any other major crime. At PRO 12, we are committed to strengthening our efforts to combat all forms of illegal activity, ensuring a level playing field for businesses across SOCCSKSARGEN,” he stated.
This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb smuggling activities and protect the local economy from the adverse effects of the illegal trade. Further investigations are underway to identify potential networks involved in the smuggling activities.
