Photo courtesy of PNP
The Philippine National Police recovered more than Php 10.9 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in three separate operations in Mindanao.
The operations were conducted in Northern Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Zamboanga Peninsula as part of the PNP’s campaign against illicit trade.
In Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, police arrested a suspect of legal age after intercepting a wing van loaded with 190 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities said the shipment contained about 9,500 reams with an estimated value of Php 7.6 million.
In Marantao, Lanao del Sur, police recovered 2,550 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth about Php 2.18 million after several individuals allegedly abandoned the items near a roadside upon learning of an anti-criminality checkpoint.
In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police recovered 20 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at about Php 1.14 million after a concerned citizen reported abandoned boxes in the area.
The confiscated cigarettes and vehicles were placed under police custody or secured pending turnover to the proper government agencies, while follow-up investigations were continuing to identify others involved.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Nartatez said police would continue intensified operations against smuggling to protect government revenues, support legitimate businesses, and hold violators accountable under the law.