By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Police operatives intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth more than P1.5 million during a surprise inspection at a local courier service facility in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur on Friday, April 17.
The operation stemmed from a tip from a concerned citizen, prompting a coordinated response from personnel of the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, Surigao del Sur Special Operations Group, Regional Intelligence Division 13, and the Lianga Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the inspection was carried out in coordination with theBureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)in Tandag City.
The contraband was discovered during the routine inspection and sorting of parcels at the courier service facility after personnel flagged several suspicious packages. Upon verification, the parcels were found to contain large quantities of cigarettes believed to be untaxed and without the required BIR tax stamps.
Investigators said the parcels originated from Zamboanga del Sur and were intended for a recipient identified only by the alias “Baj.” The suspect managed to evade arrest and is now the subject of a hot pursuit operation.
Seized during the operation were 50 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, including 21 boxes of red Casablanca cigarettes, each containing 40 reams, and29 boxes of white and green Cannon cigarettes, each containing 25 reams.
All confiscated items were properly inventoried and are now under the custody of the responding unit for proper disposition. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate the suspect and identify other individuals possibly involved in the illegal trade.
Brig. Gen. Mariano P. Magistrado IV, director of the Police Regional Office 13, said the successful interception highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination and public vigilance.
“This operation underscores the strength of inter-agency collaboration and the indispensable role of vigilant citizens in safeguarding our communities,” Magistrado said.
He warned those involved in smuggling and illicit trade that police would continue to pursue them and ensure that they are held accountable under the law.
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