P2.4 million smuggled cigarettes seized in North Cotabato

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes with an estimated street value of P2.4 million were seized during a sting in Libungan, North Cotabato over the weekend.

Authorities launched the sting following information that a group was secretly distributing imported cigarettes to local traders in the area, according to Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, chief of the Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) police.

No one was arrested during the police operation.

Authorities said the cigarettes would be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

Earlier, authorities seized P5 million worth of cigarettes in separate operations in the towns of Makilala and Aleosan.