GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities seized more than P3.17 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarette manufacturing materials during a coordinated search warrant operation in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City, on July 3, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the filing of smuggling-related charges.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Makar Police Station through the implementation of two search warrants at Purok 13, Phase 1, Alquizar, Lanton, Barangay Apopong.
The operation was led by Police Major Ari Noel Cardos, chief of the Makar Police Station, under the supervision of Police Colonel Eric De Venancio, City Director of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO). Also present during the operation was Police Brigadier General Allan Manibog, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), along with other units of the GSCPO.
Authorities said the primary respondent identified only by the alias “Ricky” was not present during the implementation of the search warrants and remains at large.
However, police arrested his 26-year-old live-in partner, identified only by the alias “Jessica,” who was found at the premises during the operation.
During the implementation of the first search warrant, authorities recovered 365 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarette filter rods with an estimated value of P3,102,500.
Meanwhile, the second search warrant resulted in the seizure of eight additional boxes and one package of the same materials, valued at approximately P68,000.
The total estimated value of the confiscated cigarette filter rods reached P3,170,500.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in General Santos City later confirmed that the seized cigarette filter rods were smuggled, strengthening the case against the suspects.
Police said criminal charges are now being prepared against the arrested suspect and the still-at-large respondent for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code.
Interestingly, while the search warrants were originally issued in connection with the alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, authorities reported that no firearms, ammunition, or other weapons were recovered during the operation.
Instead, the search led to the discovery of a large cache of suspected smuggled cigarette manufacturing materials, prompting authorities to pursue smuggling and tax-related charges.
Police said the operation forms part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade that deprive the government of revenue and undermine legitimate businesses.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source, intended distribution network, and possible accomplices behind the seized smuggled cigarette materials, while efforts are underway to locate and arrest the remaining respondent.