PNP Regional Forensic Unit 4A

PNP SEIZES NEARLY PHP5-MILLION WORTH OF SMUGGLED CI******ES IN SULU

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., seized smuggled branded ci******es valued at Php 4,995,000.00 during an anti-criminality mobile patrol operation conducted on June 16, 2026 along Lagundi Road, Zone 3, Brgy. Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, in a sustained effort to curb illicit trade and protect government revenues.

Personnel of the Jolo Municipal Police Station discovered three abandoned vehicles loaded with assorted branded ci******es while conducting routine mobile patrol within their area of responsibility. Upon verification, the operating police officers found that the vehicles contained undocumented to***co products with no legal papers or proof of lawful transport. Efforts were immediately undertaken to identify and locate the owner of the vehicles and the cargo by coordinating with nearby residents and bystanders; however, no individual came forward to claim responsibility, leading to the seizure of the items for proper disposition.

The confiscated smuggled ci******es had a total estimated value of Php 4,995,000.00, consisting of one batch worth Php 2,775,000.00, another valued at Php 1,480,000.00, and a third amounting to Php 740,000.00. Also placed under police custody were three abandoned vehicles believed to have been used in transporting the illegal goods, which were later brought to the Jolo Municipal Police Station for safekeeping pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs. The PNP has likewise initiated further investigation to determine the identities of individuals or groups behind the abandoned vehicles and the smuggled shipment, including possible links to broader smuggling networks operating in the area.

“PNP operations against smuggling are intensified to protect public revenue and prevent illegal trade from flourishing in communities. We remain committed to upholding the rule of law at all times,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Ang pagpapatupad ng batas ay nananatiling pangunahing tungkulin ng PNP upang masigurong walang makakalusot sa ilegal na gawain,” PGEN Nartatez said.

Anchored on the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation designed to make police service more responsive, accountable, and mission-driven, the accomplishment highlights the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, reflecting sustained law enforcement actions against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage that threaten public interest and national revenue collection.

The successful confiscation underscores the vigilance and dedication of police personnel in conducting routine patrol operations that contribute significantly to the government’s campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities, while strengthening public safety and economic stability in the community.

As the PNP intensifies its operations against smuggling and other forms of economic crimes under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)