May 13, 2025 | Cagayan de Oro City
Authorities intercepted over ₱1.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects during a checkpoint operation in Lala, Lanao del Norte early Saturday morning.
Personnel from the Lala Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, carried out the operation as part of a COMELEC checkpoint on May 11, 2025, at around 2:00 a.m. along the national highway in Purok-3, Lanipao.
During routine inspection, police flagged down a white and brown Toyota Tamaraw Revo. Instead of complying, the vehicle suddenly sped away, prompting the checkpoint’s rear security team to give chase. The vehicle was successfully intercepted a short distance away.
Upon stopping the Revo, officers cited the driver for his traffic violation and conducted a search incidental to arrest. In plain view, numerous boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes were discovered.
The suspects were identified as “Hasan,” 29, the driver, and “Omar,” 21, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
Seized from the suspects were 31 master cases and 40 reams of various cigarette brands including Modern, San Marino, Fort, New Berlin, New Far Menthol, Canon, and Champion. Authorities estimate the total market value of the confiscated items at ₱1,272,000. The Toyota Revo used in transporting the contraband was also impounded.
The suspects are now under the custody of Lala MPS and face charges for Resistance and Disobedience to Persons in Authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, and for violating the Anti-Smuggling Law. The seized items and vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Iligan for proper disposition and further investigation.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, lauded the units involved in the successful interception.
“This operation sends a clear message: smuggling will not be tolerated, especially when it involves harmful products like cigarettes. We remain committed to safeguarding our communities, protecting legitimate businesses, and upholding the law,” De Guzman stated.
The operation forms part of heightened law enforcement activities in line with the ongoing election period, where COMELEC checkpoints are being utilized to deter criminal activity.