Smuggler sentenced to 4 years in jail for P6.76M cigarette haul

Published on October 28, 2026 Author Web Editor TagsAriel Nepomuceno,Bureau of Customs,Illicit cigarettes An individual arrested in Sarangani province with P6.76 million worth of smuggled cigarettes was found guilty and sentenced to up to four years in prison by a regional court in Sarangani The case stemmed from a police checkpoint operation on January 23, 2025 The court forfeited the cigarettes to the government and directed the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port of General Santos to dispose of them under applicable laws and regulations An individual arrested in Sarangani province with P6.76 million worth of smuggled cigarettes has been found guilty and sentenced to up to four years in prison, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported.

The decision, handed out by the Regional Trial Court Branch 47 in Alabel, Sarangani on October 21, 2026, found the individual guilty of violating Section 1401 (D) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The case arose from a joint checkpoint operation conducted by the Philippine National Police on January 23, 2025, in Barangay Katuabo, Kiamba, Sarangani.

Authorities seized 7,350 reams of New Berlin brand of cigarettes and 1,250 reams of King Perfect brand during the operation.

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