SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines — Intensified anti-smuggling operations by the Philippine National Police under the Police Regional Office 12 resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of more than ₱516,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate operations conducted on April 18, 2026, in the municipalities of Columbio and Lebak.
In Columbio, a routine mobile patrol carried out under Oplan Yaw-Yaw led to the interception of a contraband delivery in Barangay Lasak. Personnel from the Columbio Municipal Police Station were conducting intensified crime prevention patrols when they caught a 40-year-old suspect, identified as alias Elly, in the act of unloading suspected illegal cigarette products from a Hyundai Porter vehicle.
The suspect, a resident of New Pangasinan in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, was unable to present any documents authorizing the possession and distribution of the cigarettes. A visual inspection revealed multiple reams bearing the markings Cannon Menthol and New Berlin. Authorities immediately coordinated with the Bureau of Customs, which later confirmed that the items were smuggled.
Seized during the operation were 70 reams of New Berlin cigarettes and 54 reams of Cannon Menthol cigarettes, with a total estimated value of ₱106,024.32. The vehicle used to transport the contraband was also impounded.
In a separate operation in Lebak, a joint checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Christianuevo led to the arrest of another suspect and the confiscation of a significantly larger volume of smuggled cigarettes.
Operatives from the Lebak Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, 2nd SKMARPSTA, and the 5th Special Operations Unit Lebak MLET, flagged down a gray Suzuki mini van without a plate number. The vehicle, driven by a 43-year-old suspect identified as alias Marlon, was en route to South Upi when it was intercepted.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered several boxes and reams of cigarettes in plain view. The driver failed to provide any proof of legality for the cargo. Recovered from the vehicle were 300 reams of PRESIDENT cigarettes, 150 reams of Ray cigarettes, and 30 reams of Cannon Menthol cigarettes, all suspected to be smuggled.
The total value of the seized items in Lebak was pegged at ₱410,726.40, based on assessment by the Bureau of Customs. The suspect was arrested on the spot for illegal transportation and unauthorized distribution of smuggled goods and was informed of his constitutional rights.
Both suspects are now under police custody, while the confiscated cigarettes and vehicles are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10863 and Republic Act No. 10643.
The PRO-12 leadership commended the operating units for their vigilance and swift coordination, noting that the twin operations highlight the effectiveness of sustained police visibility, checkpoint enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration in curbing illegal trade in the region.
Police authorities emphasized that efforts against smuggling will continue to be intensified to protect communities and safeguard government revenues from unlawful activities.