6 nabbed for PHP15.7M smuggled cigarettes in North Cotabato

Six individuals were apprehended in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, for attempting to smuggle approximately PHP15.7 million worth of cigarettes.

The suspects were intercepted during a police checkpoint in Barangay Central Panatan while transporting 400 boxes of cigarettes concealed beneath sacks of charcoal and sand in two wing van trucks.

The cigarettes were reportedly coming from Lanao del Sur and destined for Kabacan, Cotabato.

The arrested individuals, drivers and their helpers, claimed they were transporting charcoal and sand and could not show documents for the cargo.

Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, PRO-12 Director, stated that the large amount of contraband involved is considered economic sabotage and a non-bailable offense.

PRO-12 also warned small stores against selling smuggled cigarettes and stated that they will be held accountable.

The seized cigarettes were brought to the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12) for inventory by the Bureau of Customs.