Authorities recovered dozens of reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes after they were found abandoned in Barangay Aplaya, Digos City, on the evening of February 13, 2026.
Personnel of the Digos City Police confiscated a total of 79 reams of cigarettes at around 7:00 p.m. in Chapter 5, Barangay Aplaya, Digos City.
According to the police report, the operation was initiated after authorities received a phone call from Barangay Kagawad Edwin Cenita, who reported the presence of suspicious items in the area.
Cenita said that while conducting a routine roving patrol with barangay tanod members, they noticed two unidentified men loitering in a dimly lit portion of Barangay Aplaya, Digos City. When the group approached and questioned them about their presence, the two individuals immediately fled on a motorcycle, leaving behind two large boxes.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 43 reams of one cigarette brand and 36 reams of another. Police noted that the seized items did not bear the mandatory excise tax stamps and lacked the required packaging labels under Philippine law—clear indicators that the products may have been illegally imported.
Based on prevailing market prices, the total estimated value of the confiscated cigarettes reached ₱23,700.
The seized items were turned over to the custody of the Digos City Police for proper documentation and further investigation. Authorities said the cigarettes would be forwarded to the appropriate agencies for verification and possible destruction.
Meanwhile, police are continuing their efforts to identify and locate the two suspects who abandoned the boxes. Investigators are reviewing reports from nearby barangays and possible CCTV footage in the area to trace the suspects’ movements.
Local police reiterated their commitment to intensify monitoring operations against smuggling and the illegal sale of untaxed cigarettes, citing their negative impact on public health and government revenues.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities to help authorities curb illegal trade.