Maasim, Sarangani Province – September 1, 2025
Police authorities in Region 12 intercepted a truckload of smuggled cigarettes worth more than half a million pesos and arrested its driver during a checkpoint operation along the National Highway in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province, late Monday morning.
According to the Police Regional Office 12, personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) flagged down a white Isuzu Travis truck bound for General Santos City at around 11:40 a.m. The vehicle was driven by a 50-year-old man, identified only as “Mike,” a married resident of Panabo City.
Upon inspection, police discovered several boxes of cigarettes inside the truck. The driver failed to produce the necessary documents, leading to his arrest.
Authorities seized 735 reams of Gajah Baru cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱577,563.00. Inventory and markings of the confiscated goods were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspect, a barangay official, and a media representative.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Maasim Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, while the seized items and the truck were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for further investigation.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, commended the swift coordination between the Maasim police and the 2nd PMFC, highlighting their commitment to combating smuggling in the region.
“This successful interception is proof that our intensified border security measures are effective in curbing smuggling activities in Region 12. Smuggling undermines the rule of law and our local economy,” Ardiente said.
Authorities assured that operations will continue to prevent the entry of smuggled goods into the region.