Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte – November 23, 2024
In a significant anti-smuggling operation, personnel from the 4th Platoon of the Lanao del Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately Php 108,000 during a random checkpoint in Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil I.
The operation, conducted at 11:05 AM, targeted a Rural Transit bus (Body No. 10722, MV File No. 0401-501165) traveling from Sultan Naga Dimaporo to Kapatagan and bound for Dipolog City. During a routine inspection of the bus’s baggage compartment, officers noticed a box with a tear exposing reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
A detailed inspection of the luggage revealed the following contraband:
- 1 box containing 34 reams of New Far Red cigarettes
- 1 black suitcase containing 41 reams of New Far Red cigarettes
- 1 black suitcase containing 23 reams of New Far Red cigarettes
- 1 red suitcase containing 22 reams of New Far White cigarettes
- 1 blue backpack containing 15 reams of New Far White cigarettes
Initial inquiries disclosed that the contraband was loaded in Picong, Lanao del Sur, and was intended for pick-up at Maranding Bus Terminal in Lala, Lanao del Norte. The bus conductor reported that the alleged owner declared the luggage to contain clothing.
Barangay officials were called to witness the inventory of the seized items, which were later transported to the 2nd LDN PMFC Headquarters in Barangay Pigkalawag, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, for documentation. The contraband is set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City.
PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating team for their prompt and effective action. “The LDN PPO remains committed to curbing illegal activities and ensuring public safety. We encourage the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to further enhance our law enforcement efforts,” he stated.
The LDN PPO continues its dedicated campaign against smuggling and illicit activities to maintain peace and economic integrity in the province.
