DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Four individuals were arrested in the early hours of the morning after police intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes worth nearly ₱1.8 million during an intelligence-driven checkpoint operation in Barangay Semba, Dalican, this town.
According to the Police Regional Office–BARMM, the suspects were apprehended shortly after 2:00 a.m. while traveling aboard a minivan that passed through a police checkpoint manned by personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, with support from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
The arrested individuals were identified as Sawi Kunsag, 55; Hamidin Upam, 19; Suad Tato, 22; and Anwarudin Signh, 22 — all residents of Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur.
Upon inspection of the vehicle, police discovered several boxes containing smuggled cigarettes. Authorities said the suspects failed to present valid documents and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) barcodes to prove that the cigarettes were legally acquired.
Police revealed that the operation was conducted following intelligence information pointing to the movement of illegal cigarette shipments in the area, prompting authorities to set up the checkpoint that led to the arrest.
The seized cigarettes were estimated to be worth ₱1,766,250, according to the PNP.
The four suspects are currently in police custody and will face appropriate charges for violations related to smuggling and the illegal transport of tobacco products. Authorities said further investigation is underway to determine the possible source and intended destination of the contraband.
Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying checkpoint operations and intelligence efforts to curb smuggling activities in Maguindanao and across the BARMM region.