Smuggled cigarettes seized in Cotabato

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes valued at P15.7 million were seized in a police operation in Pigcawayan, Cotabato on Thursday.

The contraband, loaded in two 10-wheeler trucks, was intercepted in Barangay Central Panatan by a combined team of the Pigcawayan police and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12.

The cigarettes were placed in 400 boxes, which  were concealed under sacks of charcoal, according to Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Soccsksargen police director.

The contraband, which reportedly came from Zamboanga Sibugay, was supposed to be delivered to different towns in Cotabato.

The anti-smuggling operation was conducted based on information provided by local officials and legitimate cigarette traders.

The truck drivers and their helpers were taken to the police station for questioning after they failed to show documents for the transport of their cargoes.

The cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.