CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Law enforcement authorities in Northern Mindanao successfully intercepted PhP3.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on February 16, 2025.
The operation, carried out by personnel from the Malaybalay City Police Station (CPS), took place at a fixed checkpoint in Purok 3, Brgy. Dalwangan. Officers flagged down a white Isuzu truck van, which upon inspection, was found to be carrying 80 boxes of illicit cigarettes. The cargo included 60 boxes of Fort Brand 100’s and 20 boxes of Cannon Menthol 100’s, all lacking proper documentation from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the required health warning labels.
Authorities identified the individuals operating the truck by their aliases: “Berto,” 46, driver, a resident of El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental; “Jim-jim,” 51, truck helper, also from El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental; and “JB,” 30, laborer, a resident of Cogon, Cagayan de Oro City.
The confiscated vehicle and contraband are currently in the custody of Malaybalay CPS and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental for proper disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the officers involved in the successful operation, emphasizing the significance of such checkpoint initiatives.
“Our intensified checkpoint operations serve as a frontline defense against smuggling, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. This confiscation underscores the critical role of checkpoints in ensuring the safety and security of Northern Mindanao,” De Guzman stated.
PRO10 continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling and other illegal operations to the nearest police stations.
