Authorities intercepted more than P27.4 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in a joint anti-smuggling operation in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) carried out the operation on May 28 at Purok Silangan, Barangay Katungal, following intelligence reports on the presence of contraband in the area.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel found hundreds of master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes hidden inside a storage facility.
Initial inventory showed that 640 master cases of cigarettes were recovered, with an estimated market value of P27,382,400.
Additional personnel and transport assets from the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao were deployed to assist in the recovery and hauling of the seized items.
The confiscated cigarettes were brought to the Police Regional Office 12 for safekeeping while inventory and investigation procedures continue.
Authorities are still working to identify the owner of the warehouse and the individuals behind the alleged smuggling activity.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the operation reflected stronger coordination between the Coast Guard and the PNP in going after smuggling and other unlawful activities under the Coast Guard’s intensified enforcement efforts.