Kiamba, Sarangani Province — A checkpoint operation conducted by the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) and intelligence operatives of the Kiamba Municipal Police Station (MPS) successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP 149,000 in Barangay Nalus on January 20, 2025.
The operation was launched following a tip-off from an informant regarding a truck allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Acting on the information, the team flagged down a blue Isuzu Forward Truck (plate number GEG782) driven by a 52-year-old man identified only as alias “Pino,” a resident of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Accompanying him were four individuals: alias “Abu,” 38, of Buayan, General Santos City; alias “Jul,” 21, of Surallah, South Cotabato; alias “Ralp,” 24, of Banga, South Cotabato; and alias “Rule,” 58, also of Banga, South Cotabato.
Suspicious behavior exhibited by the driver prompted a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Upon receiving the driver’s consent, authorities discovered the smuggled cigarettes hidden in sacks of sugar and carton containers. The seized contraband included 60 reams of Fort cigarettes, 25 reams of Cannon cigarettes, and 50 reams of Berlin cigarettes, amounting to an estimated market value of PHP 144,990.
The driver failed to produce the necessary legal documentation for the transport of the cigarettes. Consequently, he was arrested for violating Section 1113, Chapter 4 of Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).” The apprehending officers ensured that the driver was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood before taking him into custody.
The confiscated items and the arrested individuals were subsequently brought to the Kiamba MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
Sarangani PPO reaffirmed its commitment to curbing smuggling activities and ensuring strict enforcement of customs and tariff laws. Authorities emphasized the importance of such operations in safeguarding public welfare and protecting the economy from the adverse effects of illegal trade.
