GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities confiscated ₱766,155.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested four individuals during a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12 on October 19, 2025, around 8:30 PM in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City.
According to the report, RPDEU 12 personnel discovered several individuals loading suspicious cigarette products into a white minivan parked in front of the J&T warehouse in Barangay Apopong. Upon inspection, the products were identified as “King Perfect,” a brand not legally produced, distributed, or sold in the Philippines, indicating they were smuggled items.
When asked to present legal documents or permits, the individuals failed to comply, prompting authorities to conduct a lawful arrest. The suspects were identified as alias “Nads,” 47; alias “Amel,” 26; alias “Juls,” 25, all residents of Barangay Labangal; and alias “Milven,” 32, a driver from Barangay San Jose, General Santos City.
A total of 39 cases, equivalent to 975 reams of King Perfect cigarettes, were seized during the operation, with an estimated market value of ₱766,155.00. An on-site inventory was conducted in the presence of a barangay official and a media representative.
The arrested suspects were taken to Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital for medical examination before being detained at Police Station 2, General Santos City. Meanwhile, the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Barangay Labangal for documentation and safekeeping.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other related laws are being prepared against the suspects.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift action.
“This operation proves that our law enforcement teams are alert and proactive in stopping smuggling activities that threaten our economy and local industries. We are determined to protect legitimate businesses and ensure that our ports and communities are not exploited by smugglers,” said PBGEN Ardiente.