Two individuals were arrested after being caught attempting to transport smuggled cigarettes worth over ₱1.3 million at a checkpoint in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
Police Captain Jayson D. Cepeda, chief of the Lambayong Municipal Police Station, stated that the suspects were intercepted during a checkpoint operation by a joint team comprising the Lambayong PNP, Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, Regional Special Operations Group 12, and the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12.
The suspects, identified by their aliases Nasrola, 31, and Samsung, 33, are residents of Barangay New Cebu, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities stopped two minivans along Purok Kaunlaran, Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, and discovered multiple boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes during the inspection.
The drivers failed to present proper documentation for the cargo, leading to their arrest and detention at the police station.
Each vehicle carried 30 boxes of New Berlin cigarettes, with each box containing 50 reams, totaling 60 boxes or 3,000 reams valued at approximately ₱1,320,000.
The PNP Region 12 assured the public that efforts to combat smuggling would be intensified, especially as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities to law enforcement.