POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Operatives of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 12 confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱644,941 and arrested a female suspect during an anti-smuggling operation conducted Monday afternoon, March 2, 2026, authorities reported.
The operation took place at around 2:25 p.m. at Hugot Sari-Sari Store in Purok 4, Barangay Glamang in the municipality of Polomolok.
Arrested was a 29-year-old local vendor known by the alias “Frauline,” a resident of the barangay. Police said the operation was carried out by tracker teams from the Regional Intelligence Division 12 in coordination with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 under STF PLUTUS, with assistance from personnel of the Polomolok Municipal Police Station.
Authorities launched the operation after receiving verified intelligence reports that the store was allegedly involved in the sale of smuggled cigarettes. Acting on the information, operatives conducted a verification operation that led them to the establishment.
Upon entering the premises, police officers observed several cartons of cigarettes displayed in plain view at the store’s parking area. The discovery prompted the immediate seizure of the items and the arrest of the suspect.
Seized from the store were hundreds of reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes, broken down as follows:
- 217 reams of New Berlin
- 122 reams of King Perfect
- 111 reams of Cannon
- 19 reams of Caspro
- 40 reams of Greenhill
- 240 reams of Gajaj Baru
Authorities said the confiscated cigarettes had no proper documentation, indicating they were illegally imported or distributed.
Police informed the suspect of her constitutional rights in a language she understood before bringing her to the Polomolok Municipal Police Station for proper booking and documentation.
The seized contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs office in General Santos City for proper custody and disposition.
Meanwhile, charges are being prepared against the suspect for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Graphic Health Warnings Law through inquest proceedings.
Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to crack down on the proliferation of smuggled tobacco products in the region, which authorities say undermines government revenue collection and violates national trade and health regulations.