By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— — A major bust against the illegal trade of contraband goods was made by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13), which successfully intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at P 7 million in an operation conducted early on May 7 in Purok 3, Baylanon, Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, Agusan del Norte.
The operation was prompted by a tip-off from a concerned local resident who reported suspicious unloading activities involving cargo from a pump boat.
Responding promptly to the lead, PRO13 operatives discovered an abandoned FUSO container van, which was found to be loaded with a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes. The confiscated goods included 90 cartons of Greenhills cigarettes (white), 25 cartons of Cannon cigarettes (white), and 40 cartons of Casablanca cigarettes (red), all intended for illegal sale in the local market.
Alongside the tobacco products, authorities recovered two vehicles suspected to have been used in the transport of the illegal goods: a white Mitsubishi Canter truck and a white KIA container van. These vehicles are now under investigation as part of the ongoing effort to dismantle the smuggling operation.
PBGEN Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, Regional Director of PRO13, commended the quick response of his team. “I commend our operating troops for their swift action in intercepting smuggled cigarettes worth millions of pesos. Their vigilance and dedication are instrumental in protecting our communities and upholding the law,” PBGEN Magistrado said. “This operation sends a clear message to those engaged in illegal activities — the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with you.”
Following the successful interception, investigators are continuing with follow-up operations and are collaborating with other government agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the illicit shipment.
This operation marks another significant success in PRO13’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard public interests. Authorities are committed to continuing their fight against organized crime networks operating in the region.
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