Butuan City — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱119,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested one suspect during a joint law enforcement operation in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, on April 25.
Personnel from the Regional Special Operating Unit 13, Bislig City Police Station, 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, and Naval Intelligence Security Unit 74 carried out a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mangagoy, leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old individual identified only by his alias, “Mol,” a resident of Barobo town.
Confiscated from the suspect were 102 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, including 50 reams of Canon and 52 reams of D’Scoot brands.
The suspect now faces charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law in relation to RA 9211, known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, as well as RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13, emphasized the importance of vigilance against illegal trade. “Our close monitoring of these illegal activities, coupled with the support of the community, has enabled us to sustain significant gains against the proliferation of smuggled items in the region. Rest assured that we will maintain this momentum,” he said.
The seized contraband and the suspect are now under police custody for proper documentation and filing of charges.