P14-M smuggled cigarettes hidden under coconuts busted in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – Alert police officers seized at least P14 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes from a truck loaded with coconuts at a checkpoint in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Lt. Patrick Generoso Gascon, team leader of 3rd Maneuver Platoon of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, said the boxes of imported contraband were hidden beneath coconuts inside the wing van.

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“We are strictly following directives from our superiors to ensure that contraband doesn’t find its way into our area of responsibility,” Gascon told reporters in the vernacular.

The cargo truck was flagged down for regular inspection at the police Duran detachment in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte at about 11:45 a.m.

Gascon said the driver and helper claimed they were unaware the truck had illicit goods inside since they were told to only transport coconuts in the province.

He said the truck driver and his helper were restless during the plain view inspection process.

Police found boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes piled inside the van covered with coconuts.

The two suspects are now detained at the Parang municipal police station awaiting the filing of formal complaints. INQ