Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes and suspected shabu worth nearly P20 million during the implementation of search warrants against a businessman in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

According to the Police Regional Office-SOSCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), police officers served search warrants for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and unlawful possession of explosives (RA 9516) against the businessman identified as alias “Chong” in Barangay Kinudalan.

However, Chong was not around at that time and remains at large, as of this writing.

Instead of firearms and explosives, authorities recovered sachets of suspected shabu worth more than P13,000.

PRO-12 added that incidental to the lawful search, the operating team discovered 260 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P10.2 million.

Authorities also found additional boxes of cigarettes worth around P9.6 million along the shoreline after they withdrew from the area.

The items seized were turned over to the Bureau of Customs while the investigation is ongoing.

“The illegal importation and distribution of these goods is being treated not only as a violation of customs and taxation laws but also as an act of economic sabotage, threatening the financial stability of lawful trade and local government revenue,” PRO-12 said.