KIAMBA, Sarangani Province (October 2, 2025) — Authorities intercepted more than P175,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Sitio Lenik, Barangay Nalus, Kiamba, late Tuesday night.
The joint operation, conducted around 10:20 p.m. on October 1 by the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kiamba Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the 1204th Maneuver Company RMFB 12, led to the arrest of a suspect identified only as alias “Vin,” 32, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Kiamba.
Confiscated from the suspect’s mini-van were assorted cigarette brands, including 130 reams of Gajah Baru, 27 reams and 18 packs of Tabaco, 48 reams of F2, and 18 reams of Buffon cigarettes. The total haul was valued at Php175,940.62.
Police said the suspect failed to present the necessary documents for the goods, prompting his arrest. He now faces charges for violating Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law), RA 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act), and RA 12022.
All seized contraband has been turned over to the Kiamba MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) emphasized that smuggling not only poses risks to public health but also undermines the country’s economy. Authorities urged the public to cooperate and report illegal activities to help sustain peace and order under the government’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign.