By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting an investigation to determine the source and network behind the PHP16.12 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes found in abandoned trucks in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Personnel from the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), responding to a report, discovered the three abandoned trucks containing the contraband early Tuesday.
Police said all vehicles were abandoned without ignition keys or documents.
“Abandoning these smuggled products only means one thing: They are afraid of being identified and arrested,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.
“I have full trust and confidence in our investigators in giving these criminal elements the nightmares and sleepless nights that they deserve.”
Authorities recovered 403 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated value of PHP16,120,000. The items are now in police custody for documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.
Nartatez said the discovery underscores concerns over the use of remote areas in Mindanao as transit points for illicit tobacco trade, and urged stronger coordination with communities to track those responsible.
“I have directed our field units to strengthen coordination with barangay officials and ensure active public participation. Malaki ang naitutulong ng mga impormasyong ibinibigay ng ating mga kababayan sa ating kampanya laban sa mga kontrabandong ito (The information provided by the public is a great help in our campaign against these contraband),” he said. (PNA)
