Photo courtesy of PNP
Police seized about 2,000 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth approximately Php 1.71 million and arrested a 45-year-old businessman during a checkpoint operation in Aleosan, Cotabato.
The operation was conducted on Aug. 29 in Barangay San Mateo by personnel from the Aleosan Municipal Police Station, Cotabato Police Provincial Office intelligence unit, Regional Intelligence Division 12 and STT Echo.
Authorities said the suspect, identified only as alias “Mando,” was driving an Isuzu Elf reefer van when he allegedly failed to stop after being flagged down at the checkpoint.
Police pursued and intercepted the vehicle, after which the driver was taken into custody and the truck and its cargo were secured for proper disposition.
The seized cigarettes were estimated to be worth Php 1.71 million.
Authorities are preparing complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The cases are expected to be referred to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Midsayap.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would continue strengthening checkpoint operations and coordination among units to intercept suspected illicit goods while observing due process.