LUUK, Sulu (July 30, 2025) — Authorities intercepted and seized 233 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals during a joint checkpoint operation conducted in Barangay Tubig Putih, Luuk, Sulu.
Personnel from the Luuk Municipal Police Station (MPS), acting on intelligence reports, flagged down several vehicles suspected of transporting contraband. Upon inspection, they discovered the boxes of undocumented cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the province.
Further inspection of one of the vehicles led to the discovery of a .45 caliber pistol and three magazines containing a total of 21 rounds of ammunition. The driver, along with two other suspects, was immediately arrested. Police confirmed that all three were apprised of their constitutional rights in a dialect they fully understood.
The seized contraband and firearm are now in the custody of Luuk MPS as investigations continue into the suspects’ possible involvement in broader smuggling operations.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended the operatives for their swift and coordinated action.
“This successful operation is a demonstration of PRO BAR’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and upholding the law,” De Guzman said. “It highlights the effectiveness of our joint efforts to protect the community from the harmful effects of illicit trade.”
Authorities assured the public that intensified monitoring and checkpoint operations will continue across the region to deter illegal activities.