CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office intercepted a van loaded with smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation on April 6, 2025, in Purok 1, Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
At around 6:00 a.m., a Mitsubishi Versa van traveling from Sultan Naga Dimaporo to Kapatagan was flagged down for a routine inspection. The vehicle was driven by a 23-year-old student from Santa Catalina, Zamboanga City, known only by the alias “Alan.” Two passengers, identified as “Alden,” 31, and “Aljun,” 28, were also on board.
During a plain view inspection, authorities discovered several sacks of smuggled cigarettes partially concealed under a tarpaulin in the back seat. Seized from the vehicle were 18 sacks of Astro White and two sacks of New Berlin Red cigarettes. Each sack contained 50 reams, totaling 1,000 reams with an estimated market value of ₱800,000.
The arrested individuals and the confiscated items were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation. Authorities said a case for violation of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, will be filed against the suspects. The seized van and cigarettes will also be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate action.
Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, lauded the efforts of the operating team.
“I commend our personnel for their efforts and dedication in carrying out this successful operation. Let this serve as a warning to those who persist in illegal activities—your actions will not go unnoticed. PRO10, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to uphold the law and protect our communities,” De Guzman said.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.