Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat – Law enforcement authorities in Region 12 successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth ₱1,964,500.00 and apprehended three suspects during a checkpoint operation on February 25, 2025.
The operation, led by the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), was conducted by personnel from the Bagumbayan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 12, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The checkpoint was set up at Purok 4, Barangay Biwang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities flagged down a silver-gray Toyota Hiace van traveling from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Upon inspection, they discovered multiple reams and cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle. This led to the arrest of the driver and two passengers identified as alias “Alan,” 30, alias “Knor,” 38, and alias “Idol,” 52. The suspects are all residents of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
Confiscated from the suspects were 1,750 reams of New Berlin cigarettes and 750 reams of Cannon cigarettes. The suspects, along with the seized contraband, were brought to the Bagumbayan MPS for documentation and proper legal procedures.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating smuggling and illicit trade in the region. He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities to help maintain peace, security, and economic integrity in SOCCSKSARGEN.
Authorities continue to intensify their efforts to prevent smuggling operations and protect the local market from illegal goods.