Cagayan de Oro City, May 6, 2025 — Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) successfully intercepted over ₱2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate anti-smuggling operations conducted on May 5, intensifying its crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade in Northern Mindanao.
In the first operation, authorities from the City Mobile Force Company – Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit and Police Station 2, confiscated 72 packs of assorted illegal cigarettes during a raid at Cogon Market. The products, found in stalls owned by unidentified vendors, were estimated to be worth ₱5,760 based on prevailing street prices.
The seized cigarettes were brought to Police Station 2 and are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposal.
Later the same day, police from Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station (SND MPS) in Lanao del Norte, acting on a confidential tip, discovered a major stockpile of contraband hidden in a coastal hut in Sitio Damac, Barangay Bangaan. Operatives found 51 boxes of smuggled cigarettes stashed inside and around the hut, which was reportedly connected to a local suspect known only by the alias “Mon.”
Police recovered 19 boxes of New Far brand, 19 boxes of Modern, 2 boxes of Berlin, and 11 boxes of Fort brand cigarettes—collectively valued at ₱2,040,000. The area was reportedly abandoned upon the arrival of authorities, and the suspects fled before arrests could be made.
The contraband was taken to the SND police station for documentation and will be handed over to the appropriate agencies for legal action.
PBGen Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO-10, praised the involved personnel for their vigilance and dedication in curbing smuggling operations.
“These successful operations are a testament to our commitment in securing our borders from illicit trade. We will continue to work closely with our partners and communities to protect the public from the dangers of smuggled goods,” De Guzman said.