MADRIDEJOS, Cebu — Two individuals were arrested while approximately ₱3 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes was seized during a joint buy-bust operation targeting an illegal LPG and butane refilling operation in Sitio Kagwangan, Barangay Tarong, Madridejos, Cebu, in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The operation was jointly conducted by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), Madridejos Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) following an intelligence-driven investigation.
Authorities arrested two male suspects after they were allegedly caught selling illegally refilled butane canisters. During the operation, law enforcement personnel also discovered a large cache of suspected smuggled cigarettes, leading to additional charges against the suspects.
Recovered from the operation were 325 illegally refilled AgilaGas butane canisters, a 50-kilogram LPG tank, a weighing scale, improvised LPG refilling equipment, and the marked buy-bust money.
Police also confiscated 30 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes, consisting of 14 master cases of United Menthol cigarettes and 16 master cases of Bosston cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱3 million.
The suspects are facing charges for alleged violation of Section 40 of Republic Act No. 11592, which prohibits the illegal selling and refilling of LPG cylinders and butane canisters, as well as Section 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, for possession of suspected smuggled goods.
Both suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and their constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine. They are currently under the temporary custody of the Madridejos Municipal Police Station while criminal complaints are being prepared for filing before the court.
PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., provincial director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office, commended the operating teams for the successful operation and reiterated the police’s commitment to cracking down on economic crimes and activities that endanger public safety.
He said illegal LPG refilling poses serious safety risks to consumers, while smuggled products deprive the government of lawful revenues and negatively affect legitimate businesses. He added that the Cebu Police Provincial Office will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and coordinate with partner agencies to hold violators accountable.
The Cebu Police Provincial Office also encouraged the public to report illegal trading activities, smuggling, and other unlawful operations that threaten public safety and economic security in the province.
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