Lebak, Sultan Kudarat – Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, intensified its campaign against illegal cigarette trade with a significant breakthrough on January 7, 2025. A buy-bust operation conducted in Purok Tangigue, Barangay Tibpuan, led to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes worth Php241,000.00.
The operation, spearheaded by personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sultan Kudarat, Lebak Municipal Police Station, and Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), was carried out in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Region 12. Authorities apprehended the suspect, identified as alias “Muja,” a 29-year-old laborer and resident of Barangay Tibpuan. The suspect was caught in the act of selling smuggled cigarettes.
Confiscated Items
Seized during the operation were the following:
- 80 reams of YS Cigarettes
- 70 reams of Astro Cigarettes
- 91 reams of San Diego Cigarettes
- One Php500.00 bill used as marked buy-bust money
The confiscated items, along with the suspect, were brought to the CIDG Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit for proper documentation and disposition.
Legal Actions
Authorities are preparing a complaint against the suspect for violating Sections 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture), 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation), and 400 of Chapter 4 of Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Commitment to Combat Smuggling
PBGEN Ardiente reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region. “Police Regional Office 12 is committed to preventing any criminal activity that threatens the safety and well-being of our community. We remain steadfast in our efforts to combat all forms of smuggling and continue to work closely with our partner agencies to eliminate smuggling activities in our region,” he stated.
The operation underscores PRO-12’s dedication to eradicating illegal activities that jeopardize the region’s economic stability and public safety. The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.