10 arrested, P1-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized in Caraga

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Police in Caraga (Region 13) arrested 10 people after they were allegedly caught with nearly P1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate operations across the region last week, an official said.

Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) director,  said in a statement that the operations conducted from Sept. 20 to 27 were part of their intensified campaign against smuggled cigarettes.

Among those arrested was alias “Norsan,” 40, a resident of Kawit 2, Barangay 1, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, who yielded 129 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P161,250.

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Police did not identify the brands of the seized cigarettes or disclose details of the other nine suspects in their statement.

Suguilon said police will continue their operations against smuggling, noting it undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of tax and duty revenues.

“PNP Caraga remains resolute in its fight against smuggling. We will sustain and intensify our efforts to disrupt the illegal movement of smuggled products, hold those involved accountable, and protect our communities and legitimate businesses from its harmful effects,” Suguilon said.

He urged residents to report information about suspected smuggling activities to the police.

Police are preparing appropriate charges against the suspects./coa