Kiamba, Sarangani Province — A joint law enforcement operation led by the Sarangani Police Provincial Office resulted in the interception of a vehicle carrying an estimated ₱300,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation on May 19, 2025, in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba.
Personnel from the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SPMFC), 1204th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), RID-12 Tracker Team Alpha, MLET, PIU SPPO, and STTA RID 12 flagged down a Mitsubishi Triton GLX with plate number LAP 5322 at a checkpoint in Barangay Linek. However, the vehicle ignored the checkpoint and sped off, prompting officers to pursue and block it at the Nalus Checkpoint.
Upon inspection, law enforcers saw several reams of KING PERFECT cigarettes visible from the cabin. The driver, identified as alias “Lito,” 50 years old, of Brgy. San Isidro, General Santos City, failed to provide necessary documentation for the goods. He was accompanied by a female passenger, alias “May,” 42, also from General Santos City. The vehicle is reportedly owned by an individual known only as “Ali” of Apopong, General Santos City.
Authorities conducted an immediate inventory of the confiscated items on site in the presence of the suspects, a barangay official, and a media representative. A total of 600 reams of KING PERFECT cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱300,000, were seized.
The suspects were read their constitutional rights and are facing charges for violations of:
- Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law),
- Republic Act 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act), and
- Section 14, Paragraph (d) of Republic Act 12022.
The suspects, vehicle, and confiscated contraband were turned over to the Kiamba Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
Police officials emphasized that the operation demonstrates their unwavering commitment to combat smuggling and safeguard public welfare across the province.