P2.8-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Cotabato

COTABATO CITY — Police arrested two men and seized an estimated P2.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Midsayap, Cotabato, authorities said.

The suspects, each driving a Toyota HiAce van, were flagged down by joint operatives of the Cotabato Highway Patrol Team and the Midsayap Municipal Police Station at a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Sadaan on Thursday afternoon, July 23.

The checkpoint was part of intensified law enforcement efforts aimed at curbing vehicle theft, enforcing traffic regulations, and preventing smuggling activities.

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According to Col. Ramel Hojilla, director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, the drivers attempted to evade inspection after officers instructed them to stop and present their vehicle and cargo documents. Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly sped away, prompting a brief pursuit.

Police intercepted the two vans approximately 150 meters from the checkpoint.

A subsequent inspection led to the seizure of 1,100 reams of New Berlin cigarettes and 2,200 reams of Fort cigarettes, with a combined estimated market value of P2,823,810.

The two drivers, both residents of Cotabato City, were taken into custody and are facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. /das