LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Authorities recovered thousands of pesos worth of abandoned smuggled cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation conducted near a mangrove area in Barangay Balas, Lamitan City on Saturday night, May 16.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Lamitan City Police Station (CPS) under the leadership of Basilan Provincial Director Cerrazid A. Umabong at around 8:30 p.m.
Police said the operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen regarding the alleged presence of smuggled cigarettes hidden in Purok 5 near the coastal mangrove area of Barangay Balas.
Acting swiftly on the report, a police team led by Najir J. Jumdani, deputy chief of Lamitan CPS, proceeded to the area to verify the information and conduct an inspection.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered several abandoned boxes containing assorted smuggled cigarette products allegedly intended for illegal distribution in the province.
Recovered during the operation were 30 reams of Rasean Gold cigarettes, 45 reams of Astro cigarettes, 11 reams of Bravo White cigarettes, and five reams of Brons cigarettes, bringing the total to 91 reams with an estimated market value of ₱77,866.88.
Police immediately conducted an on-site inventory and documentation of the confiscated items in the presence of Barangay Kagawads Boboy A. Albani and Kalbi Dulla of Barangay Balas to ensure transparency and compliance with legal procedures.
Authorities said the operation also complied with Supreme Court Rule 2 of A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC through the use of two Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs), which were utilized to properly document the recovery operation.
Initial investigation revealed that the contraband cigarettes had been abandoned by still unidentified individuals, who are believed to be involved in the illegal smuggling and distribution of untaxed tobacco products in Basilan.
The smuggled goods are considered violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which penalizes the unlawful importation, transport, possession, and sale of untaxed or undocumented products.
The recovered cigarettes were brought to Lamitan City Police Station for proper documentation and turnover coordination with the appropriate government agencies for disposition and further investigation.
Authorities continue to pursue leads to identify the individuals behind the smuggling activity as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal trade of contraband goods in Basilan and nearby areas.