Koronadal City, South Cotabato – A businessman was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, September 9, 2025, after authorities seized an estimated ₱120,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Topland, Koronadal City.
The suspect, identified by the police only as “Aya,” 50, married, and a resident of the area, was apprehended by operatives of the Koronadal City Police Station in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 12.
At around 5:30 p.m., law enforcers chanced upon several boxes of cigarettes on display in front of a sari-sari store. When asked to present the necessary documents and permits, the store owner failed to produce any, prompting authorities to place him under arrest.
Confiscated during the operation were 100 reams of Berlin brand cigarettes and 100 reams of Canon Menthol brand cigarettes with a combined estimated market value of ₱120,000.
The suspect now faces charges for violation of Sections 117 and 400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
Police Regional Office 12, under Regional Director PBGen Arnold P. Ardiente and in line with the directive of Acting PNP Chief PLtGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., reiterated its firm stance against smuggling and other illegal activities. Authorities stressed that strict enforcement of the law is vital in protecting the local industry and safeguarding public health under the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.