CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — In a significant crackdown on illegal tobacco smuggling, the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully confiscated Php 3,184,800 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation on October 25, 2024. The operation was carried out by personnel from the 51st Mechanized Company, 5th Mechanized Battalion, Armor Division at the AFP Patrol Base in Brgy. Rebucon, Nunungan, Lanao Del Norte.
During the operation, law enforcement intercepted three vehicles: a black multicab van (plate no. KAE 5057), a black Suzuki minivan (plate no. JAT 6012), and a black Nissan Almera sedan (plate no. JAL 967). Upon inspection, officers discovered a large quantity of assorted cigarettes in plain view, which were notably lacking required graphical health warning signs and official cigarette stamps. Further investigation revealed numerous master cases containing various cigarette brands inside each vehicle.
The drivers failed to provide any documentation for the cigarettes, prompting authorities to detain the vehicles for a thorough investigation. This led to the arrest of five individuals at the scene.
The seized items included:
- Multicab Van (KAE 5057):
- 19 master cases of Modern brand (50 reams each)
- 15 cellophanes of Fort brand (50 reams each)
- Additional cellophanes with a total of 24 reams
- Suzuki Minivan (JAT 6012):
- 25 master cases of Modern brand (50 reams each)
- 10 cellophanes of Fort brand (50 reams each)
- Additional cellophanes with a total of 7 reams
- Nissan Almera Sedan (JAL 967):
- 9 cellophanes of Modern brand (50 reams each)
In total, 79 master cases, boxes, and cellophanes containing 31 reams were confiscated, each valued at Php 40,000 for master cases and Php 800 for individual reams, culminating in an approximate total of Php 3,184,800.
The suspects, along with the seized cigarettes and vehicles, were transported to the Nunungan Municipal Police Station for documentation and processing before being handed over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, praised the officers for their diligent efforts against smuggling in the region. “This operation underscores the importance of collaboration with our counterpart agencies in combating illegal activities in Northern Mindanao. We are dedicated to enforcing the law and ensuring that those who break it are held accountable,” he stated.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in the region to combat illegal activities and uphold public health regulations.
