POLICE operatives seized over ₱3.2 million worth of illegal petroleum products and contraband cigarettes during separate anti-smuggling operations in Southern Leyte and Sulu on September 3, 2026, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
In Sogod, Southern Leyte, joint forces from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit and the Sogod Municipal Police Station intercepted fuel supplies valued at ₱2.18 million.
The recovered inventory included diesel, premium gasoline, and unleaded gasoline. Two individuals were taken into custody during the operation.
In a separate operation in Pangutaran, Sulu, authorities recovered 21 master cases of abandoned smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱1.029 million.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated that the synchronized raids align with the police force’s broader campaign to curb illegal trade and protect the national economy.
“Every successful operation sends a clear message that illegal trade will not be allowed to undermine legitimate commerce,” Nartatez said, noting that the PNP will continue working with partner agencies to enforce trade regulations.
The arrested suspects and recovered fuel remain in police custody pending formal legal charges under the PNP’s operational guidelines.
The confiscated cigarettes were transferred to the Bureau of Customs for proper turnover and legal disposition.
