Cotabato: Police authorities achieved significant results by confiscating about PHP1.8 million in smuggled cigarettes during a law enforcement operation in Banisilan, Cotabato province, on Thursday evening. Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, regional director for Police Regional Office (PRO-12), said in a Friday phone interview that police operatives from the Banisilan municipal police station flagged down a vehicle driven by alias 'Bingo' and two companions around 10 p.m. in the town proper.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the inspection, officers noticed the three individuals appeared restless, prompting the police to examine the boxes in the vehicle. They discovered that the vehicle was transporting 2,142 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes up for delivery to traders in Central Mindanao. 'We will not stop finding contraband in our area of jurisdiction. As long as there are smugglers, the police will not lower their guard,' Manibog said. He mentioned that the suspects, along with the vehicle, are currently being held at the Banisilan police office for further investigation.