Police Officer Arrested in Sultan Kudarat Cigarettes Smuggling Case
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A police officer was arrested recently for possession of alleged smuggled cigarettes in Sultan Kudarat province, local officials said. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to stop illegal cigarette trade in the region.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director, identified the suspect only by his alias “Letra,” a 40-year-old married man. The suspect remains an active member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Details of the Arrest
The police officer was caught along with another suspect, known as alias “Amir,” in Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat at 1:45 a.m. on July 13. Authorities intercepted the suspects while they were transporting smuggled cigarettes valued at P862,808.40.
The suspects were riding a Mitsubishi L300 utility vehicle driven by Amir, a 45-year-old married resident of Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur. The vehicle was flagged down at a checkpoint along the national highway.
Significant Anti-Smuggling Operation
Brig. Gen. Ardiente emphasized that this arrest is a crucial victory in the fight against smuggling within the region. He said, “This operation demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to curbing smuggling and upholding the integrity of our ranks.”
He added, “We will not tolerate any involvement of our personnel in criminal activities and we will ensure accountability under the law.” The official praised the arresting team composed of personnel from the 1st Sultan Kudarat PMFC, the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, and the Lambayong Municipal Police Station.
Seized Evidence and Charges
Authorities confiscated 21 boxes of Cannon brand cigarettes, amounting to 1,050 reams, and 48 reams of Fort brand cigarettes. All seized products lacked proper legal documentation.
Further inspection uncovered a Glock 17 pistol bearing serial number PNP19488, loaded with 12 live rounds, in possession of the police officer suspect.
Inventory and marking of all seized items were done at the checkpoint, witnessed by the suspects and a local barangay kagawad. The items were then taken to the Lambayong municipal police station for documentation and proper handling.
The suspects now face charges under Republic Act 10863, known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, for violation related to smuggling.
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