Authorities in the Soccsksargen region scored a major victory against smuggling and illegal drugs, confiscating millions of pesos worth of contraband in a single operation in Sultan Kudarat province.
Dawn Raid Nets Massive Haul
In the early hours of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a combined police force executed a targeted law enforcement operation in Kinudalan village, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. The operation, which began around 2:54 a.m., was based on two search warrants issued against a local businessman known only by the alias "Chong".
Police Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, the director of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12), stated that the warrants were for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Republic Act 9516 (law on explosives). However, the search of Chong's residence yielded a different kind of illicit cargo.
Drugs and Smuggled Goods Discovered
During the search, operatives immediately found four sachets containing approximately two grams of suspected shabu. The illegal drugs have an estimated street value of P13,600.
More significantly, lawmen discovered a large stockpile of untaxed cigarettes on the property. 260 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, valued at roughly P10.2 million, were found stored within the premises.
Additional Contraband Found on Shoreline
The operation did not end at the residence. As the police team was preparing to leave the area, they conducted a sweep of the nearby shoreline. This led to the discovery of an additional 245 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes, worth about P9.6 million.
This secondary find brought the total seizure to a staggering 505 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. According to General Ardiente, the overall Bureau of Customs valuation for the cigarette haul is P19.8 million.
Suspect at Large, Evidence Secured
The primary target of the operation, alias Chong, was not present during the raid and remains at large. Authorities are now conducting a manhunt for the businessman.
All confiscated items, including the suspected shabu and the massive quantity of smuggled cigarettes, were properly inventoried and turned over to the Lebak Municipal Police Station. The evidence will undergo documentation and proper legal disposition as the investigation continues.
This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts of the PRO-12 to combat the twin problems of drug trafficking and the smuggling of agricultural and manufactured products, which undermine the national economy and pose public health risks.
