October 24, 2024 — Authorities in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, confiscated approximately Php 406,400.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation at Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil 1. The operation was conducted by personnel from the 4th Platoon, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO).
During the inspection, officers flagged down a silver Mazda Mini Van. Noticing a partially open window in the backseat, they spotted a sack of rice containing reams of cigarettes without health warnings. The driver could not produce documents for the cigarettes, leading to the immediate arrest of two individuals: a 42-year-old male and a 47-year-old female, both from Barangay Calibao, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
The seized items included:
- Six master boxes of New Far (white) containing 50 reams each,
- Three master boxes of New Far (red) containing 50 reams each,
- One master box of Fort White with 50 reams, and
- A sack containing eight reams of New Far (red), each with ten packs.
The total street value of the confiscated goods is estimated at Php 406,400.00. The contraband, suspects, and vehicle were taken to Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City.
PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of LDN PPO, commended his team for their diligence, stating, “This operation highlights our commitment to curbing the illegal trade of smuggled cigarettes in Lanao del Norte, ensuring public health and protecting government revenue.”
