In a significant crackdown on smuggling, law enforcement officials in Cotabato City apprehended a man suspected of cigarette smuggling and seized contraband valued at PHP4.24 million. The operation took place in the Libungan area of North Cotabato on a Sunday afternoon. Major Arnold Andaya, the head of the Libungan municipal police, reported that the seized cigarettes did not feature the mandatory graphic health warnings and included brands like ‘Forth’ and ‘Commando.’ Following a lead, the police raided a location in Sitio Abacanhan, Barangay Cabaruyan, where they found the illegal cigarettes concealed in a cargo truck under a tarpaulin. The individual arrested, who identified himself as ‘Alex,’ admitted to owning the smuggled goods. He is currently held at the Libungan police station, facing charges under Republic Act 10643, known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
