PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities recovered nearly P97.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Barangay Gumagadong-Calawag.
In a statement Sunday, the PNP said the contraband was discovered after the two agencies served a letter of authority on January 6 at around 6 a.m. following intelligence reports that a warehouse in the area was being used to store and distribute smuggled cigarettes in violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural and Economic Sabotage Act.
Although the warehouse initially appeared empty, officers noticed portions of the ground that were unusually soft and showed signs of recent disturbance.
“Further inspection revealed buried cases of cigarettes and tobacco products beneath the surface, confirming the deliberate concealment of contraband,” the PNP said.
Excavation operations continued until 5:15 p.m. on January 7, leading to the recovery of 2,483 master cases of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P97,457,750.
The seized cigarettes were loaded onto seven transport vehicles and brought to the BOC–Davao District Office in Panabo City for proper disposition and reevaluation.
PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation was the “result of strong intelligence work and close coordination” with the BOC.
“We will not allow smuggling to destroy our economy and the livelihood of our people. The PNP will ensure that any illegal activity being concealed is uncovered and that those responsible are held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
He added that the police had strengthened planning, coordination, and execution in its operations to ensure law enforcement remains “effective, accountable, and felt by the public.”
BOC personnel were present and actively participated in the excavation, hauling, and initial inventory of the smuggled cigarettes. The excavated area was later restored and turned over to the barangay.
The PNP and the BOC are now conducting case build-up and preparing inventory reports, sworn statements, and other documents to support the filing of criminal charges.