World · Philippines Bureau
Police intercept P3.1 million in contraband cigarettes in Cotabato
A checkpoint operation in Midsayap has resulted in the seizure of over P3.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, preventing the illegal goods from entering Cotabato province.
LSN Philippines ·
Authorities in Cotabato province have successfully intercepted a significant shipment of contraband cigarettes at a police checkpoint in Midsayap on Thursday afternoon, November 5. The operation resulted in the confiscation of smuggled goods valued at over P3.1 million, according to Colonel Ramel Hojilla, director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office.
The truck driver, identified by authorities using the alias "Lau," was unable to produce the necessary documentation for the cargo at the time of inspection. Officers discovered the contraband cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation and immediately seized the shipment.
The successful interception represents a significant blow to smuggling operations in the region and demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement checkpoints in preventing illegal goods from entering the province. The case has been forwarded to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.