By Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Police confiscated more than PHP4.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an anti-criminality checkpoint in Lanao del Sur, officials reported Monday.
Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, director of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said operatives flagged down a cargo truck in Barangay Bacayawan, Malabang, around 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Isuzu Elf truck was found carrying 100 boxes of smuggled cigarettes.
The driver and his helper failed to present documents for the shipment and are detained at the Malabang municipal police station. Charges are being prepared.
“This accomplishment demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of our field units in curbing smuggling activities. We will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to safeguard government revenues and maintain peace and order in the region,” De Guzman said in a statement.
The contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. (PNA)
