Credits:Inquirer.net
Sulu, Philippines — In a major crackdown on smuggling activities, police authorities in Sulu confiscated over P17 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations this week.
Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), reported that on Friday, approximately P5.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in Patikul town. The operation was initiated after a resident tipped off the police about contraband being unloaded in a coastal village.
Responding to the tip, police operatives discovered a man unloading around 97 boxes of contraband cigarettes believed to be from Malaysia. The unidentified man was arrested and is currently detained, according to Tanggawohn.
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, two minors were arrested in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan town. Authorities seized some 210 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes valued at over P12 million from the minors. The minors are now in the custody of Indanan police pending investigation, while the confiscated contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.
“In light of numerous recent apprehensions of smuggling activities, we send a clear and unequivocal message to violators: it is time to cease your unlawful practices,” stated Tanggawohn. He emphasized that PRO-BAR is unwavering in its commitment to eradicating smuggling and will continue to intensify its operations until this illegal trade is completely stopped.
Tanggawohn also lauded the efforts of the Sulu police units and the vigilant citizens who contributed to combating smuggling by alerting the authorities.
