2 arrested, P2.3M smuggled cigarettes seized in North Cotabato

2 arrested, P2.3M smuggled cigarettes seized in North Cotabato

/ 03:31 PM January 30, 2025

2 arrested, P2.3M smuggled cigarettes seized in North Cotabato

BUSTED. Police officers separately handcuff two drivers of minivans who attempted to sneak in smuggled cigarettes to North Cotabato from Digos City, Davao del Sur, on Thursday (Jan. 29, 2025). Some P2.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized from the suspects. (Photos courtesy of Makilala MPS)

COTABATO CITY — Alert police officers in Makilala, North Cotabato, thwarted a P2.3-million cigarette smuggling attempt by two men on Wednesday after civilians alerted the authorities about two vehicles carrying the contraband.

In a statement on Thursday, Lt. Col. Rolly Oranza, chief of the Makilala municipal police station, identified the suspects as “Mike” and “Adzal,” the drivers of the two minivans into which the contraband was separately loaded.

Article continues after this advertisement

A tip was sent to the police regarding two vehicles from Digos City, Davao del Sur, headed to North Cotabato with multiple smuggled cigarettes.

FEATURED STORIES

During the plain-view inspection at a checkpoint, police said the drivers were restless and refused to cooperate when asked about their cargo.

Police officers found 2,180 reams of assorted cigarettes inside the minivans.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We commend the civilians who provided the information about the smuggling try,” Oranza said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The two suspects, now detained at the Makilala municipal police lock-up cell, have been charged with violating the Anti-Smuggling Act.

Article continues after this advertisement

Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office in Soccsksargen, lauded the civilians for providing timely and accurate intelligence information to law enforcers.

READ: P11.8-M smuggled cigarettes seized in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: North Cotabato, Smuggling

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.