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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Two Coast Guard men nabbed in anti-cigarette smuggling operation in Agusan del Norte

Two Coast Guard men nabbed in anti-cigarette smuggling operation in Agusan del Norte

Published Jan 10, 2026 04:18 pm
photo: PNP
photo: PNP
Two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were arrested in a cigarette anti-smuggling operation in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said it was only during the verification process due to the presence of hand guns that personnel of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) discovered that the two arrested suspects were Coast Guard personnel.
“We are now coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard for the conduct of a thorough investigation of this case to identify all those involved. We leave it to the PCG leadership to handle the administrative charges but on the part of the PNP, we are now preparing the criminal cases against these two arrested Coast Guard personnel,” said Nartatez.
“This operation underscores the PNP’s intensified campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage, regardless of the individuals involved,” he added.
Based on the initial investigation, police personnel were conducting anti-carnapping operations and traffic law enforcement in Barangay Manapa on January 8 when they spotted a Nissan Navara pick-up truck. The vehicle was flagged down due to an alleged obstruction violation.
During inspection, police noticed opened containers in the cargo bed of the vehicle which, upon inspection, were found to contain suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities seized 325 reams of Canon cigarettes with an estimated value of P97,000. two PCG identification cards were also taken into custody. When questioned, the suspects failed to present documents to prove the legality of their possession, prompting the seizure of the items and their arrest.
Nartatez lauded the operating units for the successful operation as he ordered a thorough investigation after confirming that the suspects are active members of the PCG.
“We will continue our aggressive operation not only involving cigarettes but also all forms of smuggling. Our operation also comes with a thorough investigation to identify those involved,” he said.
The Agusan del Norte arrest follows a series of major anti-smuggling operations nationwide. Earlier, police seized smuggled cigarettes worth more than P105.5 million in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
On Jan. 6, authorities also intercepted a vessel carrying 332 master cases of undocumented cigarettes valued at approximately ₱21.25 million in Zamboanga. Three individuals were arrested during that operation.
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