A suspected smuggling network operating out of residential homes in Sofronio Española came into focus after authorities seized more than ₱3.8 million worth of illegal cigarettes during a raid in Barangay Panitian on Tuesday, April 21.
The operation targeted two houses in Purok Mangingisda, Sitio Sungan-sungan, where contraband was allegedly stored, pointing to the use of private residences as distribution points.
The raid was carried out by a joint team from the PNP 2nd Special Operations Unit-Maritime Group, Marine Battalion Landing Team-11, Sofronio Española MPS, CGMARS LEG, CGIG-PAL, CG CIU, PTI, and the Bureau of Customs under a search warrant.
In the first house owned by Luddin, authorities recovered 67 master cases of “Red Berlin” cigarettes valued at ₱2,847,500.
In the second house owned by Karim, operatives seized 22 master cases, along with an additional 50 and 47 reams wrapped in plastic, with a total value of ₱1,017,450.
The two suspects were not present during the operation and remain at large.
They face charges for violations of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Provincial Ordinance 3159 or the Anti-Illicit Trade and Fake Goods Ordinance.
All seized items are now under the custody of the Quezon Special Boat Crew for proper disposition.
Authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the entry of illegal goods into Palawan.
