Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth a total of over P20 million in separate anti-smuggling operations in Sulu and Maguindanao del Norte.

In Indanan, Sulu, police seized over P12 million worth of assorted cigarettes and rescued two minors allegedly subjected to child labor.

The anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Kajatian resulted in the confiscation of 210 boxes of assorted cigarettes and the rescue of the two minors.

The owner of the contraband is yet to be identified, as of this writing.

The minors were taken into police custody pending investigation while the items seized were turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

In Patikul town, police also confiscated more than P5.6 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested one suspect dawn on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The operation was a result of the intelligence report received by authorities from a concerned citizen.

The suspect is now under police custody.

Meanwhile, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) and the police seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth over P2.6 million in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Authorities received a tip about the shipment of alleged counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes to be transported using a wing van through Upi-Awang, Datu Sinsuat Road en route to Davao City.

When the van was intercepted, the suspects failed to present legal documents for the shipment.

The arrested suspects and seized items were taken into custody of the NBI-BARMM.