Authorities scored a major win against smuggling in Maguindanao del Norte after raiding a warehouse in Parang and seizing roughly 2,483 master cases of cigarettes, valued at about P106.2 million.

Police Regional Office for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Director P/Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman said the contraband — Indonesian-made cigarettes — was found buried within the warehouse premises in Barangay Gumagadong Calawag.

“During the operation, we discovered the smuggled tobacco products hidden underground inside the warehouse,” he said.

The operation followed intelligence reports and tips from informants about the illegal stockpile. It was carried out on Tuesday under a Letter of Authority from the Bureau of Customs, with joint personnel from the BoC, PRO-BAR, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-BAR).

De Guzman said the seizure highlights the government’s commitment to cracking down on illicit trade and protecting the country’s economy from illegal activities. “This is part of our continued efforts to secure the borders and prevent economic sabotage,” he added.

All confiscated items were carefully inventoried and turned over to the BoC for proper documentation, case building and lawful disposition. Authorities confirmed that the raid involved violations of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural and Economic Sabotage Act).

The crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to intensify operations against economic sabotage, coordinated closely with PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

De Guzman also noted that similar operations are ongoing across the region, as authorities continue to monitor warehouses and distribution points suspected of storing smuggled goods. “We are committed to ensuring that illegal products don’t reach the market and hurt legitimate businesses and consumers,” he said.