GENERAL SANTOS CITY — More than ₱1.1 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes were confiscated by police authorities following the successful implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, on the morning of February 6, 2026.
At around 7:47 a.m., personnel of Police Station 6, led by Police Lieutenant Erico Pedralin Jr. under the supervision of Police Major Adolf Julien Dave F. Diaz, carried out Search Warrant No. 26-19 at Block 4, Mateo Road, HJA. The operation was conducted in coordination with Tracker Team Bravo of the Regional Intelligence Division 12, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 under STF Plutus, and the City Mobile Force Company-Special Weapons and Tactics (CMFC-SWAT).
The search warrant, issued on January 29, 2026, by Executive Judge Dennis A. Velasco of the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 23, was served against a suspect identified as alias “Mirad,” a 68-year-old married businesswoman and resident of the area.
During the operation, authorities recovered several cartons of cigarettes allegedly lacking proper documentation and tax stamps, indicating possible smuggling activities. The total estimated market value of the seized items was placed at ₱1,105,538.56.
Police officers conducted the marking and inventory of the confiscated evidence at the scene in the presence of the suspect, an elected barangay official, and a media representative, in compliance with standard operating procedures. The suspect was also informed of her constitutional rights in a dialect known to her before being brought to Police Station 6 for proper disposition.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently under police custody while a criminal complaint is being prepared against her for violation of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The case will be filed through inquest proceedings.
Police officials lauded the joint efforts of the participating units, emphasizing that the successful operation reflects the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling and illegal trade, which deprives the state of revenue and undermines legitimate businesses.
The General Santos City Police Office reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against illicit activities and urged the public to continue cooperating by reporting suspicious transactions and illegal trading practices in their communities.