General Santos City — February 2, 2026 — Authorities arrested two suspected smugglers and seized nearly ₱1 million worth of illegal cigarettes during a joint checkpoint operation along Apopong Bridge, Barangay Apopong, on Monday, underscoring intensified efforts to curb smuggling and protect government revenues.
The operation was led by the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) under the supervision of PLtCol Patrich A. Elma, in coordination with Police Station 2 (lead unit), the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), and Coast Guard Counter-Intelligence Southern Mindanao.
Police flagged down a Suzuki minivan at the checkpoint and immediately noticed several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes in plain view. The driver attempted to flee toward Purok Kintay, Barangay Sinawal, prompting a swift and coordinated pursuit that ended with the vehicle’s interception.
Arrested were alias “Zorro,” 29, married, a resident of New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato, and alias “Arron,” 29, of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City. Authorities recovered 23 boxes of San Marino cigarettes valued at ₱984,032, allegedly transported without valid supporting documents.
The seized items were inventoried in the presence of a barangay official and a media representative, then turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for verification and proper disposition.
Charges for Violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, are being prepared against the suspects, who remain detained at Police Station 2, GSCPO.
Law enforcement officials said the successful operation reflects strengthened inter-agency coordination and a sustained crackdown on smuggling activities that threaten public safety and deprive the government of lawful revenue.