₱1.9M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in South Cotabato meat van

DAVAO CITY (April 18) — Authorities intercepted approximately ₱1.96 million worth of smuggled cigarettes concealed inside a meat delivery van at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Barangay San Vicente, Banga, South Cotabato, on Thursday.​

According to a report from Police Regional Office 12, the van, originating from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, was en route to Banga, South Cotabato, when it was stopped for inspection. Inside, officers discovered 40 cases of imported cigarettes, each containing 50 reams, lacking proper documentation. The Bureau of Customs was alerted, leading to the seizure of the contraband under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.​

The two individuals transporting the goods, residents of Barangay Lagandang and Barangay Tidouan in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, are now in the custody of the Banga police.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Banga Municipal Police Station, the 2nd South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, the South Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit, the Regional Intelligence Division 12, and the Bureau of Customs.​

Authorities are preparing to file appropriate charges against the suspects before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.