PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities have uncovered more than 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes buried in a privately owned property in Barangay Gumagadong-Calawag, Parang town, following a joint operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police–Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PNP-PRO BAR).
The large cache of contraband was discovered after more than a week of surveillance by police operatives who received intelligence reports that illegal goods were being hidden in the area. When authorities moved in to inspect the site, they found a hole in the suspected storage area and freshly disturbed soil, raising suspicion that items had been deliberately buried to evade detection.
Upon digging, operatives immediately uncovered boxes of cigarettes concealed beneath the ground. A backhoe was requested from the local government unit of Parang to assist in the excavation as authorities continued to retrieve the buried contraband.
“As of now, more than 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes have already been recovered, and the operation is ongoing,” police said, adding that the volume could still increase as digging continues in the area.
The cigarettes are believed to be part of a large-scale smuggling operation, with authorities noting that the method of concealment indicates a deliberate attempt to hide the goods from law enforcement.
The BOC and PNP are now conducting an expanded investigation to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operation, including the individuals who own or manage the property where the contraband was found.
“This operation underscores our commitment to crack down on smuggling activities that deprive the government of revenues and undermine legitimate businesses,” authorities said.
The recovered items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation and disposal, while criminal charges are being prepared against those found to be responsible.
Investigations remain ongoing.