Two individuals were arrested after police intercepted a tricycle loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes during a random checkpoint operation in General Santos City early Saturday morning, August 8, 2026.
The operation was conducted at about 1:20 a.m. in Barangay Calumpang by personnel of the 1201st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, in coordination with personnel of Police Station 10 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO).
Police said the officers were conducting a random checkpoint when they flagged down a tricycle carrying two men identified only by their aliases as “Basal,” 25, and “Leo,” 26, both residents of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Instead of stopping as instructed, however, the driver allegedly accelerated, prompting the police personnel to immediately pursue the vehicle.
The chase ended with the two individuals being apprehended, after which the officers conducted an inspection of the tricycle.
₱205,363 Worth of Cigarettes Recovered
During the inspection, authorities discovered three cases containing approximately 240 reams of Gadjah Baru cigarettes.
The seized cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱205,363.20, according to the police.
The discovery immediately raised concerns over the possible illegal entry and transportation of the tobacco products, particularly after the driver allegedly failed to present the documents required to establish the legal importation of the cigarettes.
Police said the suspects could not produce the necessary Bureau of Customs importation documents, clearances, and proof of payment of customs duties and taxes covering the seized tobacco products.
The absence of such documents prompted authorities to take the suspects and the cigarettes into custody for proper investigation and disposition.
Suspects Face Charges
The two arrested individuals are currently under the custody of Police Station 10, GSCPO, while authorities prepare the appropriate charges against them.
Police said the suspects will face charges for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 10683, and other applicable laws, subject to the findings of the investigation and evaluation by the appropriate authorities.
The incident highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in General Santos City to intercept the movement of illicit tobacco products and prevent the distribution of cigarettes that may have entered the country without the required customs documentation and payment of duties and taxes.
Authorities continue to intensify checkpoint and enforcement operations as part of broader efforts to curb cigarette smuggling, which not only deprives the government of lawful revenues but also undermines legitimate businesses operating within the legal tobacco market.
The seized cigarettes and the tricycle used to transport them were placed under police custody as evidence, while the arrested suspects await the filing and processing of the appropriate cases.