GLAN, SARANGANI — Law enforcement authorities in Sarangani scored a major blow against cigarette smuggling after seizing hundreds of reams of illegal cigarettes and arresting two suspects in separate checkpoint operations conducted along the National Highway in Barangay Baliton, Glan, on December 16 and 17, 2025.
On December 16, personnel from the Glan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), all under the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (SPPO), together with Sarangani MARPSTA, intercepted a red Toyota Vios during a routine checkpoint operation. The vehicle, driven by alias “Archie,” 28, a resident of Barangay Pangyan, Glan, was flagged down for inspection while traveling toward Barangay Poblacion.
Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly accelerated and attempted to evade the checkpoint, prompting police operatives to restrain and arrest him for violation of Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code, or resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or their agents.
A subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed, in plain view, numerous reams of cigarettes. Authorities confiscated a total of 240 reams of Gajah Baru cigarettes with an estimated Bureau of Customs (BOC) standard price of ₱188,592.00. The suspect and the seized contraband were brought to the Glan MPS for documentation and proper disposition, while coordination with concerned agencies is ongoing for the filing of appropriate charges.
Barely a day later, on December 17, joint elements of the Glan MPS, SPPO–PIU, 1st SPMFC, and Sarangani MARPSTA conducted another checkpoint operation in Purok Melchomo, Barangay Baliton. During the operation, operatives flagged down a silver Hyundai Accent bearing plate number DAH 2990, driven by alias “Onit,” 39, married, and a resident of Barangay Nalus, Kiamba, Sarangani Province.
Upon inspection, police discovered in plain view several reams of suspected smuggled GAJAH BARU (red) cigarettes loaded at the trunk of the vehicle, which was partially open. When asked to present the necessary documents, the driver failed to do so, leading to his arrest.
Authorities seized a total of 298 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱232,440.00. The confiscated items were brought to the Glan MPS for documentation and are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for proper disposition. Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, are being prepared for inquest proceedings against the suspect.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operating units for their vigilance and professionalism.
“This successful interception underscores our unwavering commitment to combat smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine our economy and public safety. PRO 12 will continue to intensify checkpoint operations and strengthen inter-agency coordination to ensure that those who defy the law are held accountable,” Ardiente said.
The twin operations highlight the continued crackdown by authorities against the illegal trade of smuggled goods in the region, as police vow sustained enforcement to protect government revenues and public welfare.