LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — Authorities intercepted approximately ₱1.565 million worth of undocumented cigarettes during a joint law enforcement operation in a courier service facility in this town on April 17, 2026, in a significant crackdown against alleged smuggling activities in the region.
The operation was carried out by joint operatives of the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13), led by personnel from the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, Surigao del Sur Special Operations Group, Regional Intelligence Division 13, and the Lianga Municipal Police Station, in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Tandag City.
Authorities said the successful interception stemmed from a tip provided by a concerned citizen, prompting immediate surveillance and verification efforts. This led operatives to a local courier facility in Lianga, where routine inspection and sorting of parcels uncovered several suspicious packages.
Upon closer examination, law enforcement personnel discovered that multiple parcels contained large quantities of cigarettes that were later confirmed to be lacking required tax stamps and suspected of evading excise tax regulations.
Investigators reported that the intercepted shipment originated from Zamboanga del Sur and was consigned to a recipient identified only by the alias “Baj,” who is now the subject of an ongoing hot pursuit operation after managing to evade arrest during the operation.
A total of 50 boxes of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated, consisting of 21 boxes of red Casablanca cigarettes containing 40 reams each, and 29 boxes of white and green Cannon cigarettes containing 25 reams per box.
Authorities immediately conducted proper inventory and documentation of the seized items before turning them over to the custody of the responding unit for safekeeping and further legal proceedings.
PRO13 officials emphasized that the operation underscores their continuing efforts to combat illicit trade in the region, particularly the distribution of untaxed tobacco products through courier channels.
Meanwhile, intensified follow-up operations are underway to locate the identified suspect and to determine whether additional individuals or networks are involved in the alleged smuggling activity.
Authorities also reiterated their appeal to the public to report suspicious shipments and activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against illegal trade and revenue loss.