Police authorities arrested four persons and seized from them about P1.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during law enforcement operations on Monday night, Nov. 24, in Maguindanao del Norte.
Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, speaking for police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the four suspects were on board two separate vehicles loaded with imported cigarettes when flagged down in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao del Norte at around 9 p.m.
Ventura identified the suspects as Mark Luna, 25, of Parañaque City; Fhadzri Janalan, 25, of Lagao, General Santos City; Laila Akmad, 33, of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat; and Verhama Luna, 43, of Davao City.
He said the four were on board two Suzuki vans and were flagged down for inspection at a police checkpoint in Barangay Dalumangcob.
However, the vehicles stopped about 50 meters away from the checkpoint, raising suspicion from law enforcers.
The police officers approached the vehicles but the people on board were restless and uncooperative. Upon plain view inspection, police found several bags containing reams of cigarettes.
The suspects are now detained at Sultan Kudarat municipal police station, facing charges for violation of R.A. 12022 or the ‘Anti-Economic Sabotage Act’ while the contraband is due for turnover to the Bureau of Customs