Pigcawayan, Cotabato — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a police checkpoint operation in Barangay Panatan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato.
According to the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station, law enforcers flagged down two ten-wheeler trucks after noticing suspicious cargo. Upon inspection, officers discovered several boxes of cigarettes concealed beneath sacks of charcoal — a ploy allegedly used to slip the contraband past authorities.
Initial investigation revealed that the shipment originated from Zamboanga Sibugay and was likely intended for distribution in various markets across Mindanao or outside the region.
Police immediately arrested the drivers and their helpers while preparing charges against them for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The seized items have been placed under police custody as further investigation continues.