DAVAO CITY – Police intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth P5.4 million in a checkpoint in Barangay Duran, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, April 20.
The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said 6,500 reams of Cannon brand cigarettes loaded in a minivan, an Isuzu elf truck, and a Toyota Fortuner, and a caliber .45 pistol were recovered.
Police arrested 12 suspected smugglers, including a minor, who face charges for violating anti-smuggling laws and Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PRO-BARMM chief Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman assured that they remain steadfast in intensifying anti-smuggling operations and strengthening border control efforts to safeguard the country’s economy and uphold the rule of law.
Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office chief Col. George Bagundol commended operating troops. “The successful conduct of the operation reflects the effectiveness of strengthened inter-agency coordination and intelligence-driven policing,” Bagundol said.
On April 2, police also recovered 1,170 cases of smuggled cigarettes worth about P50 million in Barangay Dinaig Proper, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.