Maitum, Sarangani Province — The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) intensified its anti-smuggling drive with the interception of a vehicle carrying smuggled cigarettes worth ₱117,870 during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Pinol, Maitum, on Tuesday, September 9.
At around 4:50 p.m., operatives of the 2nd Maneuver Platoon, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, flagged down a white Toyota Hi-Ace van at Purok Kalimudan. The vehicle was driven by alias “Ed,” a 35-year-old resident of the same barangay.
Upon inspection, police officers found several boxes of cigarettes in plain view. When asked for documents proving legal possession and transport, the driver failed to produce any, prompting his immediate arrest.
Confiscated items included:
- Two boxes of Berlin cigarettes (50 reams each)
- One box of Fort cigarettes (50 reams)
The seized contraband was inventoried on-site in the presence of the suspect and the Barangay Chairman of Pinol before being brought, along with the suspect and vehicle, to the Maitum Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. Authorities have also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for turnover and handling of the smuggled goods.
PRO 12 Regional Director, PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, lauded the swift action of the police personnel, stressing the need for vigilance at checkpoints and the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
“The successful interception of these smuggled goods highlights our firm resolve to protect our local economy and uphold the law. Smuggling not only robs the government of revenues but also undermines legitimate businesses,” Ardiente said.
Police assured the public that intensified operations against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade will continue across Region 12.