MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Police arrested a businessman early Monday morning after he ignored law enforcement personnel manning a checkpoint and was later found transporting smuggled cigarettes valued at more than P36,000.
The suspect was intercepted around 6:30 a.m. on November 17 along the National Highway in Purok Mangga, Barangay Central Glad, near the boundary of Barangay Lower Glad and Barangay Agriculture.
According to PLTC Rey Salgado, chief of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station, joint forces from Midsayap MPS, RID Tracker Team Echo (RIU 12), 1203rd MC RMFB 12, 2nd Mobile CPMFC, and CPPO-PIU (1st District) were conducting a checkpoint operation when the white Mazda Dropside utility vehicle driven by the businessman refused to stop.
Officers pursued the vehicle and inspected its cargo, where they discovered 46 reams of New FAR brand cigarettes concealed in the backload. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) assessed the seized items at P36,146.80, classifying them as smuggled tobacco products.
Authorities said the transport of the undocumented cigarettes constitutes a violation of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, which penalizes the sale, distribution, or possession of cigarette products without proper labeling and health warnings.
The suspect was immediately informed of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in Filipino and subjected to medical examination before being placed under police custody.
The confiscated vehicle and smuggled cigarettes are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. Meanwhile, the Midsayap MPS is preparing formal complaints to be filed before the Provincial Prosecution Office.
Police reiterated that intensified checkpoint operations will continue as part of efforts to curb smuggling activities and ensure compliance with national laws.