TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities confiscated more than ₱107,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and apprehended a store attendant during a simultaneous inspection and awareness campaign conducted in Tacurong City as part of the government’s intensified crackdown against illegal tobacco products.
The operation, carried out on June 3, 2026, was led by personnel of the Tacurong City Police Station in coordination with the 1202nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 and the RID 12 Tracker Team Delta. The enforcement activity was conducted at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Viernes Store located in Purok Saranay, Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City.
According to the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), headed by Acting Provincial Director PCOL Marvin A. Fontalva, the operation forms part of the province-wide campaign against the proliferation of smuggled goods, particularly illicit tobacco products that continue to undermine government revenues and pose risks to consumers.
During the inspection, authorities discovered assorted brands of cigarettes suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The products were reportedly openly displayed for sale and found under the possession and control of a 28-year-old store attendant, who was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement operatives.
Seized from the establishment were seven reams and three packs of Cannon cigarettes, 109 reams of Berlin cigarettes, nine reams and two packs of Fort cigarettes, and four packs of Titan cigarettes.
Authorities sought the assistance of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to verify the authenticity and legality of the products. Through Viber communication, a BOC representative examined and confirmed that the cigarettes were suspected smuggled items.
The confiscated cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱107,730.13.
Police said the suspect was immediately informed of his constitutional rights following his apprehension. Meanwhile, authorities are preparing the necessary charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The SKPPO emphasized that the campaign against smuggled cigarettes remains a priority, citing the adverse economic impact of illicit trade on legitimate businesses and government tax collections. Authorities also noted that the continued circulation of illegally imported tobacco products deprives the government of much-needed revenues and creates unfair competition in the market.
PCOL Fontalva reaffirmed the commitment of the Sultan Kudarat police force to sustain aggressive law enforcement operations against smuggling and other illegal activities across the province.
“The Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities, uphold the law, and support government efforts in curbing illicit trade. We encourage the public to cooperate with authorities by reporting establishments and individuals engaged in the sale and distribution of smuggled products,” the provincial police office said.
The confiscated cigarettes have been placed under proper custody as evidence pending the filing of charges before the Office of the City Prosecutor. Authorities are also conducting further investigations to determine the source and distribution network of the seized contraband.