MIDSAYAP, COTABATO — Authorities confiscated 20 reams of illegal cigarettes from a man riding a Bajaj motorcycle in Purok Acacia, Barangay Sadaan at midday on Saturday, December 6.
Police said the suspect was intercepted during a routine inspection when officers noticed the bulging bag he was carrying. Upon checking, they discovered multiple reams of Fort cigarettes—items believed to have been smuggled and sold without proper tax stamps.
The discovery prompted officers to immediately arrest the suspect, who is now under police custody for further investigation. The cigarettes were seized as evidence and will be turned over to the proper authorities for documentation and disposal.
Police in Midsayap reiterated their intensified operations against smuggled goods, noting that the trade of untaxed cigarettes continues to pose economic losses to the government and fuels illicit activities in the region.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for violating laws related to smuggling and the sale of illegal tobacco products.