A police officer identified as alias “Letra,” 40, assigned to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, was arrested alongside an alias “Amir” in Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, for possessing alleged smuggled cigarettes worth ₱862,808.40. The arrest took place at a checkpoint on July 13 at 1:45 a.m., where the suspects were found transporting the contraband in a Mitsubishi L300 utility vehicle. The police recovered 21 boxes of Cannon brand cigarettes, 48 reams of Fort brand cigarettes lacking legal documentation, and a Glock 17 pistol with ammunition from the officer. Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office 12 director, hailed the operation as a significant anti-smuggling effort, emphasizing the commitment to accountability and integrity within the ranks. The suspects will face charges under Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The seized items were processed at the Lambayong municipal police station with proper documentation.
