Sarangani Province – February 3, 2025 – Law enforcement authorities successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation at Sitio Seguil, Barangay Tinoto, Sarangani Province.
Personnel from the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), under the supervision of Force Commander PLTCOL Benjiel Kirby Libusada Bajo, in coordination with the Maasim Municipal Police Station (MPS), the RID-12 Tracker Team Golf/Foxtrot, the Police Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (SPPO), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), flagged down a maroon Nissan Tierra (Plate No. NKB 9898) traveling along Seguil Road towards General Santos City.
During the inspection, authorities discovered thirteen (13) boxes containing 650 reams of Canon cigarettes, suspected to be smuggled, with no accompanying documentation. The driver, identified as alias “Sunny,” a 32-year-old resident of Purok 6, Barangay Glamang, Polomolok, South Cotabato, was taken into custody for illegal transportation and unauthorized distribution of smuggled cigarettes.
A proper inventory and marking of the confiscated items were conducted at the scene, witnessed by an elected barangay official. The suspect was also informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
The seized contraband, valued at approximately PHP 510,770.00, has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation and legal disposition. Meanwhile, the suspect remains under the custody of Maasim MPS as authorities prepare to file charges for violating Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in relation to Republic Act 12022.
The Sarangani Police Provincial Office reaffirmed its commitment to combat smuggling activities and ensure strict compliance with customs laws.
