Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P9 million during simultaneous serving of search warrants in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Operatives from various police units under the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12) served multiple search warrants for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) in Barangays Tibpuan and Poblacioin 3.

However, instead of drugs or guns, operatives found abandoned cigarettes believed to be smuggled during the lawful search incidental to the operation at the house of alias “Chong” and alias “Yash,” a former police officer who has gone AWOL or absent without official leave.

The two were not present during the operation.

Authorities confiscated around 86 boxes of cigarettes worth more than P3.6 million from the house of alias Chong.

On the other hand, the operating team recovered around 98 boxes of assorted cigarettes worth nearly P5.3 million from the house of alias Yash.

The combined estimated value of the seized cigarettes is P8.9 million.

Meanwhile, the search conducted at the residences of alias “Al” and alias “Aman” yielded negative results.

The seized items were brought to the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit-12 for safekeeping before they are turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“This operation highlights our firm resolve to enforce the law through intelligence-driven and lawful operations. While our initial focus was on illegal drugs and firearms, the discovery of smuggled cigarettes reinforces our resolve to support the government’s efforts against economic sabotage,” PRO-12 Director, Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, said.