Three individuals were arrested after joint operatives of the police and the Bureau of Customs intercepted an estimated ₱641,250 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an interdiction and checkpoint operation in Barangay Poblacion, Datu Paglas on Thursday night, May 7.
The operation was led by the Regional Mobile Unit 12 (RMU12) in coordination with the Bureau of Customs Region XII and the Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station following intelligence information regarding the alleged transport of illicit cigarette products from Zamboanga City bound for General Santos City using two vehicles.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as Alfaris Langalen Abpet, 36, a resident of General Santos City; Joel Unaw Timbangan, 43, a resident of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur; and Bodi Hassan Sampang, 50, a resident of Catalina, Zamboanga City.
According to police reports, personnel of RMU12 received information at around 9:30 p.m. regarding the alleged transport of undocumented cigarettes aboard a black Nissan Navara with plate number JBA 5970 and a white Nissan vehicle bearing plate number LAP 3653 traversing the Datu Paglas–Columbio–Koronadal Diversion Road.
Acting on the report, the operating teams immediately conducted monitoring and interdiction operations under the supervision of PMAJ Leo R. Aquino. While monitoring the route in Barangay Lomoyon, Columbio, operatives reportedly spotted the subject vehicles allegedly attempting to evade surveillance, prompting authorities to launch a brief hot pursuit operation.
At around 10:40 p.m., coordination was made with the Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station for a joint checkpoint operation along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion, where the two vehicles were eventually intercepted.
During the lawful checkpoint inspection and visual search, authorities discovered several master cases and reams of cigarettes suspected to be smuggled or undocumented products openly visible inside the vehicles.
When asked to present pertinent documents, including proof of authority to transport or import the cigarette products, Bureau of Internal Revenue registration, and customs clearance papers, the suspects allegedly failed to produce any valid supporting documents.
The suspects were immediately informed of their violations and arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code, Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Authorities said the Bureau of Customs Region XII conducted an initial verification through a video conference call and preliminarily confirmed that the seized cigarette products were suspected illicit and undocumented items subject to further assessment and evaluation.
Recovered from the two vehicles were around 15 master cases of “New Berlin” cigarettes along with several reams of cigarette products with a total estimated value of ₱641,250.
Police said the inventory, marking, and documentation of the confiscated items were conducted at the scene in the presence of Barangay Kagawad Rasol Mangakoy of Poblacion, Datu Paglas, and media representative Nur-Ahm G. Abubacar to ensure transparency and proper chain of custody.
The confiscated items were later brought to the custody of RMU12 for proper documentation and temporary safekeeping pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Authorities are also preparing several documentary requirements, including certifications from the Department of Health regarding possible violations of the Graphic Health Warnings Law, valuation certification from the National Tobacco Administration, and assessment reports from the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue regarding possible excise tax liabilities and customs violations.
The three suspects are currently detained at the Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station while authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges upon completion of supporting documentary requirements.
Law enforcement authorities reiterated their intensified crackdown against the proliferation of smuggled cigarette products, warning that illicit tobacco trade continues to deprive the government of millions in tax revenues while undermining legitimate businesses and regulatory safeguards.