Norala, South Cotabato – A joint law enforcement operation led to the interception of smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱78,580 and the arrest of a suspect in Purok Que Alma, Barangay Poblacion, Norala, on March 31, 2025.
Personnel from the Norala Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) RFU 12-SOCOTPFU, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, carried out the successful operation.
The apprehended suspect, identified only by the alias “Payat,” is an 18-year-old resident of Purok Magsaysay, Barangay San Vicente, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato. Authorities confiscated 100 reams of Modern Cigarettes, which were estimated to have a market value of ₱78,580.
The suspect faces charges for violating Sections 113 and 1401 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Following the operation, the arrested individual and the seized contraband were turned over to CIDG RFU 12-SOCOTPFU for proper disposition and legal proceedings.
According to PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), law enforcement agencies remain committed to combating illicit trade and ensuring strict enforcement of customs and trade laws in the region.