Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City – Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) seized a total of PhP2,526,240 worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations in Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte on October 10, 2024.
The first operation took place at 4:37 PM in Purok-2, Barangay Sumirap, Tangub City, where personnel from the Misamis Occidental Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) conducted a buy-bust operation. Authorities arrested a suspect, identified as “Emerson,” 37, a local resident of the area, for violating Republic Act No. 8424 (National Internal Revenue Code). Confiscated during the operation were several cigarette reams, including ASTRO White, FORT White, and ASTRO Red, with an estimated value of PhP6,240.
Later that evening, at 11:49 PM, a second operation was carried out by the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office’s 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in coordination with the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station (SND MPS). During a checkpoint in Purok-3, Tagulo, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, officers intercepted a van carrying smuggled cigarettes worth approximately PhP2.5 million. The vehicle’s driver, “Jamal,” 32, and a truckman, “Sadat,” 54, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, were apprehended. The suspects reportedly admitted that the contraband originated from Picong, Lanao del Sur.
The seized items included 17 master cases of Delta Red, 20 master cases of Delta White, 6 master cases of New Far White, 14 master cases of New Far Red, and 6 master cases of Cannon cigarettes, all lacking the required health warnings.
Barangay officials were called to witness the inspection and documentation of the smuggled goods. Both suspects and the confiscated items were taken to the respective police stations for proper legal procedures.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, praised the successful operations, highlighting PRO10’s continuous efforts to combat smuggling in Northern Mindanao. He emphasized that the regional police remain vigilant in addressing illegal activities.
PRO10 continues its campaign against smuggling, vowing to maintain close coordination with local and national authorities to uphold the law and ensure public safety in the region.
