P2.6-M smuggled cigarettes seized, 2 nabbed in Cotabato

COTABATO CITY – Police seized P2.6 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects who attempted to flee from authorities at a checkpoint here on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, director of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12), said the operation began in Barangay South Manuangan after police officers flagged down an Isuzu Forward cargo truck loaded with imported cigarettes.

READ: Navy seizes P113-million in smuggled cigarettes in Basilan, Sulu

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Manibog said officers instructed the driver to pull over for inspection, but he instead sped away.

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The truck was eventually intercepted at another police checkpoint in Barangay North Manuangan, leading to the arrest of the driver, identified only as alias “Gadol,” 30, and his helper, alias “Kadit,” 18, both residents of Cotabato City.

Further inspection led to the recovery of 43 master cases of Berlin brand cigarettes and 950 reams of Fort Menthol cigarettes.

Authorities also seized the Isuzu Forward truck.

READ: Tobacco agency asks LGUs help vs cigarette smuggling

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Manibog commended the police personnel involved in the operation, saying their swift action prevented the distribution of untaxed cigarettes that could deprive the government of revenue and pose health risks to the public.

The suspects are expected to face appropriate charges./dp

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