CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — A routine checkpoint operation at the Airport Boundary Control Point (BCP) in Ozamiz City resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP1,229,400.00. The operation was conducted at approximately 4:00 AM on January 7, 2025.
Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) Misamis Occidental apprehended two individuals, identified by their aliases as “Tope,” 29, and “Berto,” 30, both residents of Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.
During the inspection, a Mitsubishi L300 van flagged down at the checkpoint was found carrying 2,049 reams of smuggled cigarettes of the brands “New Far” and “Astro.” Authorities noted that the cigarettes lacked the required supporting documents. The confiscated items were verified by personnel from the Bureau of Customs and are estimated to have a market value of PhP1,229,400.00.
The suspects, along with the seized contraband, are currently in the custody of the 2nd PMFC Misamis Occidental Headquarters. The items and the suspects will be turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Ozamiz City for proper legal disposition.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 8424, also known as the Tax Reform Act of 1997, which amends the National Internal Revenue Code.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), lauded the efforts of the operating team, emphasizing the crucial role of law enforcement in curbing smuggling activities.
“PRO10 remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard our economy by curbing smuggling and ensuring that violators are brought to justice. This operation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and protecting legitimate businesses from illegal activities,” PBGEN De Guzman stated.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities as part of efforts to bolster the government’s anti-smuggling campaign.