Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat — July 15, 2025 — In a sustained crackdown on smuggling, joint police operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Dukay, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat on the evening of July 8, 2025.
The coordinated operation, conducted by the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit (SKPIU) in collaboration with the Esperanza Municipal Police Station, led to the arrest of two individuals at around 6:40 PM near Dukay COMPAC.
Arrested were a 29-year-old single farmer from Barangay Sigayan, Lambayong, and a 36-year-old married laborer from Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Poblacion, Lambayong, both residents of Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities seized ten (10) cases of suspected smuggled King Perfect brand cigarettes, estimated to be worth P392,900. The suspects were onboard a silver Toyota Innova (plate number MEE 495), which was also confiscated as part of the operation.
Police said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights upon arrest. They are currently under the custody of the SKPIU for documentation and further investigation.
Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Director PCOL Bernard L. Lao lauded the operatives for their swift response. “This operation exemplifies the commitment of our law enforcement personnel in line with the directive of our Regional Director, PRO 12, to intensify our campaign against smuggling,” Lao said. “The seizure of these illegal goods is a strong statement that we remain steadfast in protecting the economic interests of our province and curbing illicit activities.”
Authorities are preparing to file appropriate charges against the suspects in violation of relevant laws on smuggling and illicit trade.