MAASIM, Sarangani – Authorities confiscated more than ₱157,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested a 33-year-old tricycle driver during a surveillance operation in Barangay Colon, Maasim, Sarangani, in another crackdown against the illegal tobacco trade in the region.
The operation was carried out on July 11, 2026, by personnel of the Maasim Municipal Police Station (MPS), working in close coordination with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), the Police Intelligence Unit of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (PIU-SPPO), and the Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12).
The surveillance was conducted by the Tracker Team of Maasim MPS under the direct supervision of Police Major Herman J. Luna, Officer-in-Charge, while police personnel were also undertaking ongoing typhoon assessment activities in the municipality.
According to the police report, authorities observed a male individual aboard a silver Skygo 125 tricycle bearing Temporary Plate No. 1201-00000274786, allegedly engaged in the distribution and sale of assorted cigarette products believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Upon inspection, law enforcers discovered that the cigarette products allegedly lacked the mandatory Graphic Health Warning (GHW) labels and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) documentary stamps, raising suspicion that the items were illegally imported and distributed in violation of Philippine customs and tobacco regulations.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Mash,” 33, a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City, was reportedly unable to present any documents proving the lawful importation, ownership, or possession of the cigarette products.
Authorities seized a total of 184 reams of assorted cigarettes, consisting of:
- 108 reams of Fort cigarettes
- 35 reams of Berlin cigarettes
- 25 reams of Win Filter cigarettes
- 16 reams of Gajah Baru cigarettes
Police estimated the total market value of the confiscated cigarette products at ₱157,349.44.
The inventory and marking of the confiscated items were conducted at the place of arrest in the presence of the suspect and a barangay kagawad of Barangay Colon to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and maintain the integrity of the evidence.
Following the operation, the suspect and the seized items were transported to the Maasim Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, booking, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The confiscated cigarette products, along with the tricycle allegedly used in their transport and distribution, were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for proper disposition and further investigation.
Police said the operation forms part of continuing efforts to curb the proliferation of smuggled tobacco products, which deprive the government of millions of pesos in tax revenues while posing potential public health and consumer safety concerns due to their failure to comply with Philippine labeling and taxation requirements.
The Sarangani Police Provincial Office reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage, emphasizing continued coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to protect government revenues and prevent the circulation of illegally imported products in local markets.