LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat – Authorities intercepted nearly ₱2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a checkpoint operation in Sitio Pangawan, Barangay Christianuevo, late Tuesday night, October 1.
The joint forces of the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Lebak Municipal Police Station flagged down a vehicle around 11:30 p.m., leading to the discovery of ₱1,988,074 worth of contraband cigarettes.
Police Regional Office 12 Director, Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, identified the arrested suspects as “Bong,” 36, and “Mar,” 30, both drivers and residents of Cotabato City, along with “Ak,” 26, a helper from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Seized from their vehicle were 44 boxes of Cannon cigarettes, six boxes of Berlin Red cigarettes, and 30 reams of Berlin Red cigarettes. The suspects failed to present documents authorizing the transport of the goods, prompting police to place them under arrest.
PBGen. Ardiente underscored that smuggling is a serious crime that undermines the economy and poses health risks to the public. He urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting illegal activities that threaten peace, order, and public welfare under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
The suspects are now under police custody as charges are being prepared against them.