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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cops foil P2.7 M cigarette smuggling in Cotabato City

Cops foil P2.7 M cigarette smuggling in Cotabato City

Published Apr 16, 2026 10:29 pm
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now conducting a comprehensive investigation to track down the network behind a P2.7 million shipment of smuggled cigarettes seized in Cotabato City on Wednesday, April 15.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the successful operation reflects the effectiveness of intelligence work on the ground, “This shows that our intelligence units are working. This is a clear indication that law enforcement pressure is effective.”
Police earlier responded to a tip from an informant about a red Isuzu truck reportedly being used to transport illicit goods in a secluded area in Riverside, Timako, Barangay Kalanganan 2, Cotabato City.
According to the tipster, several people were carrying and loading boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes onto the truck.
Upon arrival, police discovered the abandoned and around 70 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes but the suspects had already fled the scene.
Police said the recovered boxes contained reams of cigarettes with an estimated total value of P2,747,500. A follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine the identities and whereabouts of the suspects, as well as to prepare charges to be filed in court.
Nartatez stressed the importance of community and intelligence cooperation in disrupting smuggling activities in key areas in Mindanao.
“We are seeing more intelligence-driven operations, and we will continue to strengthen that capability across all units,” he said.

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