Picong, Lanao del Sur – In a decisive move against smuggling, law enforcement personnel intercepted 29 boxes of smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated Php435,000 during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Bara-as, Picong, Lanao del Sur, on March 25, 2025.
The successful operation was carried out by the Picong Municipal Police Station, in collaboration with Charlie Company, 64th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The operation also led to the arrest of two individuals, identified by their aliases as “Sobair” and “Salacodin,” both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
According to the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, authorities flagged down a green Mazda Bongo van (MCW 5852) during a routine checkpoint. Upon inspection, they discovered boxes labeled “ASTRO” in plain view, which were found to contain smuggled cigarettes. The suspects failed to present legal documentation for the items, leading to their immediate confiscation.
To ensure transparency, the inventory of the seized contraband was conducted in the presence of a barangay official from Barangay Bara-as, Picong, Lanao del Sur. The confiscated items are now under the custody of the Picong Municipal Police Station for documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. Criminal charges will be filed against the suspects.
PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the Picong MPS and the 64th Infantry Battalion. He emphasized the importance of such operations in protecting legitimate businesses and upholding economic integrity in the region.
“This successful operation underscores our dedication to enforcing the law and preventing the spread of smuggled goods in our communities. We will continue to work closely with our AFP counterparts to ensure peace, security, and economic integrity in the Bangsamoro region,” PBGEN Macapaz stated.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to combatting smuggling and other illicit activities, reinforcing their efforts to maintain peace and order for the benefit of the community.