MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A routine checkpoint operation in Midsayap, Cotabato led to the arrest of a fleeing driver and the seizure of more than ₱253,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes on Wednesday, July 1, in another significant anti-smuggling operation by law enforcement authorities in Region 12.
The operation was carried out in Barangay Sadaan, Midsayap, through the joint efforts of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station, the Special Operations Team of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 12 (RHPU-12), and the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company under the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12).
According to police, authorities were conducting a checkpoint when the driver of a Toyota Revo allegedly attempted to evade the inspection, prompting law enforcement personnel to pursue and intercept the vehicle.
A subsequent plain view inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 264 reams and 328 packs of suspected smuggled New Berlin cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱253,966.48.
The confiscated cigarettes are believed to have been illegally transported in violation of Philippine customs laws. Authorities have yet to determine the origin and intended destination of the shipment as part of the ongoing investigation.
The driver was immediately taken into police custody and is facing charges for Violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, or Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority, after allegedly attempting to evade the checkpoint.
In addition, the suspect will also face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which penalizes the unlawful importation, transport, possession, and distribution of smuggled goods in the country.
Police said the necessary criminal complaints are currently being prepared for filing before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities reiterated that checkpoint operations remain an essential law enforcement strategy in curbing the transport of illegal goods, including smuggled cigarettes, which deprive the government of tax revenues and fuel illicit trade.
PRO-12 also emphasized its commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling campaigns across the region through sustained coordination with highway patrol units and other law enforcement agencies, warning individuals involved in the illegal cigarette trade that operations against economic sabotage and customs violations will continue.