Tantangan, South Cotabato — Authorities successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated ₱8,216,100 during a checkpoint operation conducted on January 15, 2025, in Purok Saranay, Barangay New Cuyapo.
The operation, spearheaded by the Tantangan Municipal Police Station under the leadership of PMAJ Romeo S. Albano Jr., Chief of Police, was carried out in coordination with multiple law enforcement units. These included the RID-12 Tracker Team Charlie, Golf and Foxtrot, PIU South Cotabato, 1st and 2nd South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Companies (SCPMFC), South Cotabato Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SCPDEU), and the CIDG South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit (SCPFU). The Bureau of Customs also played a crucial role in the operation.
Three suspects were apprehended at the checkpoint, where 153 cases of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated. The intercepted goods were estimated to have a market value exceeding ₱8 million.
Authorities are currently conducting further investigations to determine the origin and intended distribution network of the contraband. The suspects face charges for violating anti-smuggling laws.
This successful operation demonstrates the government’s continued efforts to combat illegal smuggling and protect legitimate businesses.