KIAMBA, Sarangani Province – Authorities confiscated nearly ₱1.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested a suspected smuggler during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday, July 31, in Barangay Kling.
The joint anti-smuggling operation was conducted by the Kiamba Municipal Police Station led by PMAJ Emmanuel Y. Lariosa, in coordination with CIDG12 Sarangani PFU, Regional Intelligence Division-PRO12, 2nd PMFC, Regional Maritime Unit 12, and the Bureau of Customs Region 12. CIDG12 PFU led by PMAJ Jenahmeel G. Toñacao served as the lead unit.
The suspect, identified as alias “Dan-dan,” 27, and a resident of Barangay Dadiangas South, General Santos City, was caught selling smuggled F2 Menthol cigarettes to a poseur buyer from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Seized during the operation were:
- One (1) genuine ₱500 bill used as marked money;
- Nineteen (19) pieces of ₱500 boodle money;
- One (1) case of F2 Menthol Cigarettes containing 50 reams (subject of sale);
- Forty-nine (49) additional cases of F2 Menthol Cigarettes, also containing 50 reams each.
Authorities estimate the market value of the confiscated cigarettes at ₱1,859,700.
An on-site inventory was conducted in the presence of the suspect and a barangay official, in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines. The suspect was also read his Miranda rights and informed of the charges against him for violating Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The arrested suspect and the seized items were turned over to CIDG RFU 12 for documentation and proper disposition.
Meanwhile, follow-up operations are underway to track down other suspects who managed to escape during the buy-bust.
Authorities lauded the successful operation as a strong signal of their continued crackdown against smuggling activities in the region.