CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — In a significant operation to combat smuggling, the 1005th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) successfully intercepted PhP568,000.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a heightened checkpoint operation. The operation occurred on January 8, 2025, at the Border Control Point (BCP) in Brgy. Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte.
The intensified checkpoint inspection led to the arrest of two suspects identified by their aliases: “Tom,” a 31-year-old driver and resident of Zamboanga City, and “Ben,” a 28-year-old habal-habal driver from Latih, Patikul, Sulu. The suspects were intercepted while traveling in a white Toyota HiAce van, which was en route from Picong, Lanao del Sur.
Upon thorough inspection, authorities discovered the vehicle loaded with 710 reams of smuggled cigarettes. The haul included 380 reams of Red New Far Cigarettes and 330 reams of Green New Far Cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of PhP568,000.00.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Pantar Municipal Police Station for documentation and further legal procedures. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for proper disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance against illegal activities. “PRO10 will continue to apprehend individuals involved in smuggling activities. I commend the operating unit for a job well done and call on everyone to continue supporting our government’s efforts to combat smuggling in the region,” he stated.
This operation highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies in the region to curtail illicit trade and uphold the integrity of the country’s borders.