Tago, Surigao del Sur — Authorities confiscated at least P250,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Gamut, Tago, on Tuesday, April 8.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13), confirmed the arrest of a 74-year-old suspect, known only by the alias “Joe,” during a buy-bust operation led by operatives from the Regional Special Operating Unit, Regional Intelligence Division, Tago Municipal Police Station, Naval Intelligence and Security Force 74, and Tactical Operations Group.
The operation stemmed from intelligence efforts and the cooperation of concerned citizens. Authorities recovered two reams of counterfeit Champion cigarettes from the suspect, purchased by an undercover officer, along with an additional 319 reams of various smuggled cigarette brands including Fort, Force, Royal, Soda, Molton, New Berlin, Era, and 2M.
Brig. Gen. Abrahano emphasized the importance of public involvement in the fight against smuggling, stating that community cooperation enables law enforcement to swiftly respond to illegal activities and safeguard the region from contraband products.
The suspect is now under police custody and will face appropriate charges for violating anti-smuggling laws.