Photo courtesy of PRO-BAR.
Law enforcers stepped up operations against cigarette smuggling in parts of Mindanao, leading to the recovery of contraband valued at nearly P9.9 million, officials said Monday.
In Maguindanao del Norte, police intercepted three vehicles at a checkpoint in Parang and arrested 12 passengers after discovering large quantities of undocumented cigarettes.
The group, reportedly coming from Lanao del Sur, was heading toward Cotabato City when officers conducted a routine inspection in Barangay Sarmiento early morning.
Authorities said about 6,500 reams of cigarettes worth roughly Php 5.4 million were found inside the vehicles. A .45 caliber pistol was also recovered during the search.
The suspects, along with the seized items, were taken to the local police station as investigators prepared charges for violations of customs and firearms laws.
In Sultan Kudarat, police carried out separate operations in Lebak town that resulted in the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at around Php 4.2 million.
One driver was arrested after officers flagged down a vehicle carrying undocumented goods, while additional contraband was recovered from a warehouse and another location where suspects fled upon the arrival of authorities.
Police said the series of operations reflected continuing efforts to curb the illegal tobacco trade and enforce customs regulations across the region.