POLICE operatives from the Koronadal Police Station who were responding to a reported vehicular accident later discovered a huge stash of contraband on board a truck that figured in the mishap.
Investigation disclosed that one unit of Isuzu Elf was travelling from General Santos City towards Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat when it accidentally crashed in the cemented road along Gensan Drive, Purok Mabuhay 1, Barangay Carpenter Hill, due to mechanical failure.
As a result, several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes from the said vehicle were tossed out and scattered along the road.
Seized items were 28 boxes of Fort menthol cigarettes and 51 boxes of New Berlin American blend red cigarettes concealed inside a styrofoam box. The estimated value of the contraband was P2.7 million.
The driver is identified as a certain Jay-ar Guialania and his helper as a certain Harris Ayob.
Accordingly, the suspects intend to pass through Koronadal City, South Cotabato and will deliver the items to Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
“Upon checking, the driver and his helper had no valid transport permits. In addition, both suspects failed to present a vehicle registration and other relevant documents,” PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said.
