P4.1 million worth of imported cigarettes seized in Cotabato, Sarangani
Philippine authorities seized P4.1 million worth of smuggled Indonesian cigarettes in two separate operations in Cotabato and Sarangani. Four suspects were detained following the interception of land and sea shipments.
Why it matters
This highlights regional efforts to combat illicit trade and smuggling networks that undermine local tax revenue and legitimate businesses.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Policemen seized a total of P4.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate anti-smuggling operations in Cotabato and Sarangani provinces in Region 12 within just two days.
Police anti-smuggling operatives first intercepted on Thursday, July 23, in Barangay Sadaan in Midsayap, Cotabato, two vans loaded with large boxes containing Indonesian-made cigarettes, costing P2.8 million.
The four couriers of the confiscated smuggled cigarettes, now detained, had confessed to police investigators, in the presence of municipal and barangay officials, that they were supposed to deliver the illegal merchandise, supplied by a smuggler based in one of the provinces in the Zamboanga peninsula, to retailers in Midsayap and nearby towns.
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