TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities intercepted more than ₱27.4 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Tacurong City on May 28, 2026.
The operation, carried out at Purok Silangan in Barangay Katungal, stemmed from intelligence information gathered by law enforcement authorities regarding the alleged presence of contraband tobacco products concealed inside a storage facility.
During the raid, operatives discovered hundreds of master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes hidden inside the warehouse. Initial inventory conducted by authorities recorded a total of 640 master cases with an estimated market value of ₱27,382,400.00.
To reinforce the recovery and transport operations, additional personnel and transport assets from the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao were immediately deployed to the site.
Authorities subsequently transported the recovered contraband to the Police Regional Office 12 headquarters for proper documentation and safekeeping as investigations continue.
Law enforcement agencies are now conducting further inventory and case build-up procedures to determine the origin of the smuggled goods and identify the owner of the warehouse as well as individuals behind the illegal operation.
According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the successful interception highlights the strengthened interagency cooperation between the PCG and PNP in combating smuggling and other unlawful activities in the region.
Cayabyab emphasized that the operation forms part of the Coast Guard’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program, which aims to intensify efforts against illegal trade, smuggling, and other criminal activities affecting national security and government revenues.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining anti-smuggling operations across Mindanao as part of broader efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit tobacco products in the country.
No arrests have been reported as of this writing.