ISULAN, Dec. 2 -- Police in the Soccsksargen region confiscated PHP24.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 204 individuals in November during intensified campaigns against contraband and illegal drugs.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, regional police director, announced the results Tuesday, stating 46 people were arrested in 43 anti-smuggling operations.

"This is the police commitment to protecting the national economy and legitimate businesses," Ardiente said.

In separate anti-drug operations, authorities arrested 158 persons and seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP4.1 million and marijuana worth PHP8,000.

"Every gram of shabu and marijuana we seize is a life saved and a community protected," Ardient...