P3.1-M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized; suspect arrested in Cotabato

The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than P3.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in an operation in Midsayap, Cotabato, on November 5, 2026, PNP Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced Saturday.

The operation was conducted along the National Highway in Barangay Sadaan by joint personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 12, Midsayap Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division 12, 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

Authorities intercepted a 2024 Mitsubishi Close Van after its driver allegedly attempted to evade a checkpoint. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Laurel Amihan Lasola, was arrested. A search of the vehicle yielded three reams and 73 boxes of New Khoor cigarettes worth an estimated P3,125,799.04. The cigarettes lacked the required graphic health warnings, while coordination with a Bureau of Customs examiner confirmed that the products were smuggled.

The suspect and confiscated items were brought to the Midsayap Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the filing of charges for alleged violations of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law.

Nartatez said the PNP would sustain its anti-smuggling operations and strengthen coordination with other government agencies to prevent illegal goods from reaching communities. He added that the operation supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify law enforcement and protect public interest, in line with the PNP's Focused Agenda and its Enhanced Managing Police Operations program.