SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. Police officers in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, unload fuel containers from a cargo truck on Sunday (Nov. 24, 2024). The containers concealed PHP2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, believed to be imported illegally from Indonesia or Malaysia. (Photo courtesy of Pigcawayan MPS)
MindanaoToday.com | P2-M smuggled cigarettes seized in North Cotabato
By: Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Authorities confiscated PHP2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, on Sunday afternoon, following a tip-off.
Major John Mark Mutlah, chief of the Pigcawayan municipal police, said Monday that the contraband, suspected to be from Indonesia or Malaysia, was hidden inside a cargo truck and concealed with gallons of petroleum products.
“The truck was intercepted at a checkpoint in Barangay Panatan at about 3 p.m.,” Mutlah said.
The cigarettes were packed in master cases and covered by petroleum containers placed at the back of the truck to disguise the illegal items.
Mutlah identified the driver as “Cris” from Dipolog City, who was accompanied by an unidentified individual.
“They intended to distribute the items to various stores in North Cotabato,” he said.
The two suspects are detained at the Pigcawayan municipal police station pending further investigation. (PNA)
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