Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱471,480 worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Poblacion, Pikit, Cotabato at around 4:35 PM on December 26, 2025.
The enforcement action was jointly carried out by Pikit Municipal Police Station and the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (CPMFC), with support from RID 12 Tracker Team Echo and the 1203rd Maneuver Company of RMFB 12.
The suspects — identified only as “Alias Karim” and “Alias Majid,” both residents of Barangay Damalasak, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur — were intercepted while transporting illicit cigarette products onboard an orange Nissan Navara pickup.
Police said the duo had been placed under surveillance after reports surfaced that they were ferrying smuggled cigarettes believed to have originated from Barangay Paidu Pulangi. Authorities tracked their passage across several areas in SGA–BARMM before they entered the operational jurisdiction of Pikit, where they were ultimately stopped at the checkpoint.
A thorough inspection of the vehicle led to the recovery of 12 cases of Fort cigarettes, equivalent to 600 reams, all lacking the mandatory graphic health warnings — a clear indication of smuggling. Officers also seized a long firearm and a short firearm from the suspects, now undergoing verification.
An on-site inventory and documentation of the contraband were conducted in the presence of the arrested individuals, a barangay official, and a media representative. The suspects, along with the confiscated items, were brought to Pikit Police Station for booking and further investigation.
Authorities are now preparing criminal charges against the suspects for violating Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The seized cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for proper disposition.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente commended the operating units for their vigilance and reaffirmed the police’s strong commitment to suppress smuggling operations in the region.