Police personnel in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, seized an estimated ₱427,850 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an operation near the shoreline of Sitio Bakung, Barangay Kulong-Kulong, early Wednesday morning.
The operation was launched at around 1:40 a.m. after the Palimbang Municipal Police Station received information about boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes allegedly being stored in an area reportedly owned by a certain clan.
Police personnel immediately proceeded to the area and conducted an ocular inspection. During the operation, they discovered 10 piled boxes of Fort cigarettes inside an open copra dryer house.
Authorities said the seized cigarette products were given an estimated Bureau of Customs (BOC) value of ₱427,850.
The inventory and marking of the confiscated items were conducted in the presence of a barangay kagawad, providing a witness during the documentation and accounting of the seized products.
The cigarettes were subsequently transported to the Palimbang Municipal Police Station for safekeeping and proper documentation. Authorities said the items are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition and further action.
Police Continue Efforts to Identify Owner
Police authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to determine who owns the suspected smuggled cigarettes and identify those responsible for bringing or storing the products in the area.
As of the latest information, authorities have not announced any arrest in connection with the seizure.
The operation highlights the role of community information in helping authorities detect suspected smuggling activities, particularly in coastal communities that may be vulnerable to the movement of contraband goods.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog emphasized the importance of prompt reporting and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities in addressing smuggling.
“Sa mabilis na pagtugon sa impormasyon at pakikipagtulungan ng ating mga komunidad, napipigilan natin ang pagpasok ng mga produktong lumalabag sa batas,” Manibog said.
He added that PRO 12 would continue supporting enforcement efforts against smuggling in coordination with the Bureau of Customs.
“Mananatiling matatag ang PRO 12 sa pagpapatupad ng batas at pagsuporta sa mga hakbang ng Bureau of Customs laban sa smuggling,” he said.
The seized cigarettes remain under police custody pending their formal turnover to the BOC and the completion of the appropriate investigation and proceedings.