Authorities have arrested a Chinese national and his Filipino driver and seized alleged smuggled Chinese cigarettes at a checkpoint in Maasim, Sarangani on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), members of the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting a checkpoint in Barangay Tinoto when they intercepted a vehicle loaded with suspected smuggled Chinese cigarettes.

Authorities arrested the suspects identified as alias “Sanchai,” 43, who is residing temporarily in General Santos City, and his driver alias “Jericho,” 19, after they reportedly failed to present documents that authorized them to transport and distribute the items.

During inspection, authorities discovered around 87 reams of cigarettes worth around P74,444.

The seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The suspects will face charges for alleged violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, concerning the unlawful possession, transport, and distribution of untaxed and illicit tobacco products.

"Ang matagumpay na pagkakasamsam na ito ay patunay ng ating walang humpay na kampanya laban sa smuggling na sumisira sa ating ekonomiya at lumalabag sa batas. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating mga operasyon upang maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan at mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas," PRO-12 Director, Brigadier General Alan Manibog, said.