LAMBAYONG, SULTAN KUDARAT – In a decisive move against the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, authorities from Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) seized Php 381,113.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation at Crossing Sigbul, Barangay Sadsalan on March 11, 2025.
The operation, conducted by personnel from the Lambayong Municipal Police Station, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 12, and the Provincial Highway Patrol Team of Sultan Kudarat, was aimed at curbing the illegal transport of contraband goods.
During the checkpoint, two individuals on a motorcycle carrying baskets loaded with boxes of smuggled cigarettes attempted to evade authorities by making a sudden U-turn and speeding off. A pursuit ensued, leading the operatives to Purok Riverside, Barangay Sadsalan, where the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and fled the scene.
Upon inspection of the abandoned baskets, law enforcers discovered nine boxes containing a total of 485 reams of Canon Menthol brand smuggled cigarettes. The confiscated goods were brought to the Lambayong Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Highway Patrol Team Sultan Kudarat for proper documentation and disposition.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO-12, reiterated the commitment of the police force in eradicating illegal trade. “We will not rest until every illegal operation is dismantled, every counterfeit product is eradicated, and everyone involved is brought to justice, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the smuggled goods and are intensifying efforts to track down the suspects involved in the operation.
