In a significant crackdown on smuggling, law enforcement officials in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, uncovered and seized PHP2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on Sunday afternoon. The operation followed a crucial tip that led to the interception of a cargo truck at a checkpoint in Barangay Panatan around 3 p.m.
Major John Mark Mutlah, the head of the Pigcawayan municipal police, reported that the contraband, believed to originate from Indonesia or Malaysia, was cleverly concealed within the truck. The cigarettes were packed in master cases and hidden behind gallons of petroleum products, which were used as a cover to mask the illegal goods.
The driver of the truck, identified only as ‘Cris’ from Dipolog City, was apprehended along with an unnamed accomplice. According to Major Mutlah, the duo planned to distribute the smuggled cigarettes to various retail outlets across North Cotabato.
Both suspects are currently held at the Pigcawayan municipal police station as the investigation continues.