World · Philippines Bureau
Ten arrested as police seize nearly P1M in smuggled cigarettes across Caraga
Regional police in Caraga have arrested 10 individuals and confiscated approximately P1 million worth of suspected contraband cigarettes following coordinated enforcement operations. The busts mark an intensified crackdown on illicit tobacco trafficking in the southern region.
LSN Philippines ·
Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) conducted multiple operations across Caraga last week that resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects allegedly involved in cigarette smuggling, according to regional police director Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon.
The seized cigarettes, valued at nearly P1 million, were recovered during separate enforcement activities conducted throughout the region. Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the locations of the operations or the identities of those arrested.
The PRO-13 has intensified its campaign against illegal cigarette trafficking, which remains a persistent problem in the region. Smuggled tobacco products deprive the government of significant tax revenue while undercutting legitimate retailers.
Investigations into the seized contraband and the circumstances surrounding the arrests are ongoing, according to the police statement. Suguilon said authorities would continue monitoring smuggling networks operating within Caraga Region 13.