The Philippine National Police has ordered a deeper investigation into the financiers and syndicates behind the P13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Picong, Lanao del Sur.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and other agencies to trace the source of the contraband and identify those behind the illegal trade.
Authorities recovered around 310 master cases of assorted cigarettes, with an estimated market value of P13,252,500, during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Liangan on Wednesday, June 3.
The operation was conducted at around 4:30 a.m. along Narciso Ramos Highway by the NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with support from PNP units in BARMM.
“This significant seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven operations and the strong coordination among law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal cigarette trade,” Nartatez said.
He said cigarette smuggling deprives the government of much-needed revenue and fuels other illicit activities that threaten public safety.
Nartatez said he has instructed PRO-BAR to work with the NBI and local barangay officials to identify the financiers, logistics networks and local protectors behind the shipment.
“The PNP will remain relentless in breaking these illicit supply chains, as smuggling not only bleeds government revenues but also directly undermines our local economies and community security,” he said.
Initial inspection showed that the cigarettes lacked mandatory Department of Health health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, indicating possible violations of customs and tax laws.
Authorities said no individuals were found at the target area when operating teams arrived. The contraband was discovered abandoned in an open space between residential structures.
The seized cigarettes were brought to the NBI office in Cotabato City for documentation, inventory and proper legal disposition.