Police arrested two men and seized suspected smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P9 million in an anti-smuggling operation in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), operatives intercepted a shipment of cigarettes after receiving information from concerned citizens about the alleged illegal activities in Barangay Tandu Bagua.

Authorities confiscated around 100 master cases of cigarettes worth more than P8.7 million.

Police arrested two men identified as alias “Dendasil” and alias “Alpajal” after they failed to present legal documents for the transport of the items.

Based on investigation, the cigarettes were supposed to be distributed across the province.

The seized items and the two men arrested were taken into police custody.

“This successful operation highlights the critical role of community support and strong inter-agency cooperation in curbing illegal activities like smuggling in the region. PRO BAR remains steadfast in our commitment to protect our community and safeguard the region’s economic integrity,” PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.