Major Anti-Smuggling Operations Net Three Suspects, Contraband
Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Soccsksargen have dealt a significant blow to smuggling activities with coordinated operations leading to three arrests and the seizure of smuggled cigarettes valued at nearly seven hundred thousand pesos.
The combined efforts of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) and Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) resulted in the confiscation of contraband worth P692,632.76.
Basilan Operation Yields Larger Haul
In Basilan province, an anti-smuggling operation on Monday, December 29, led to the arrest of two individuals in Lower Port Holland village, Maluso. Police Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, PRO-BAR director, reported that the suspects were intercepted while transporting 15 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.
The estimated value of the cigarettes seized in Basilan is P588,750. Authorities also impounded the minivan used to transport the illegal goods.
All confiscated items from the Basilan operation have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper legal disposition.
Buy-Bust Success in Sultan Kudarat
In a separate operation in Sultan Kudarat, police arrested a 30-year-old individual known by the alias Mira, a resident of Isulan municipality.
According to Police Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, Soccsksargen regional director, the suspect was apprehended during a buy-bust operation around 2:13 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, in Kalawag 3 village, Isulan.
Operatives seized 132 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes from Mira, with an estimated value of P103,882.76. The buy-bust money used in the operation was also recovered.
Authorities Vow Sustained Campaign
General Ardiente praised the operating units for their diligence and effective coordination. He emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the strong resolve of PRO 12 to stop the spread of smuggled goods.
"The campaign against smuggling is not just an economic concern—it directly affects public health and security," Ardiente stated.
He further issued a stern warning and a call for public cooperation: "We will continue to intensify our operations against this illegal activity, and we call on the public and business sector to abide by the law and refrain from selling illicit products."
The three arrested suspects are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law).
