P2.6M contraband cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato

COTABATO CITY — Police authorities separately seized a total of more than P2.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Maguindanao del Norte and Cotabato on Friday, June 19.

Lt. Col. Ramel Hojilla, director of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office, said alert police officers manning a checkpoint in Barangay Kawayanon, Makilala, Cotabato intercepted at about 2 p.m. a Nissan minivan (MBI-4807) loaded with more than P887,000 worth of contraband cigarettes.

The vehicle’s owner, a 25-year-old businessman, is a resident of Digos City.

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Later that afternoon, Barangay Kawayanon officials reported to the police the discovery of additional boxes of abandoned cigarettes in a grassy area of the village.

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Authorities believe these were part of the contraband cargo intercepted from the minivan.

The recovered items consisted of 19 cases or 950 reams of Fort White Menthol cigarettes valued at P812,791.

Earlier in the day, police officers manning a checkpoint in Barangay Makir, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte intercepted a Suzuki Elf truck (MAQ-7123) loaded with smuggled cigarettes.

Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated cigarettes at over P866,000.

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The shipment was reportedly bound for Isulan and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the truck driver as Hamid Manday, 43, a resident of Barangay Bayanga Sur, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte.

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“This apprehension sends a clear message that illegal trade has no place in the Bangsamoro Region,”Abecia said.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade to uphold the rule of law and support a secure and stable environment for lawful commerce,” he added.

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Authorities are preparing the appropriate charges against those involved, while the confiscated cigarettes have been turned over for proper documentation and disposition. /apl