Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental (August 4, 2025) — Authorities from Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱308,400 during a checkpoint operation in Lopez Jaena town on the evening of August 1.
The operation, led by personnel of the Lopez Jaena Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOCPPO), was conducted along the national highway in Purok 2, Barangay Western Poblacion at around 8:20 p.m.
Acting on intelligence reports about a possible cigarette smuggling attempt, police operatives flagged down a suspicious vehicle for inspection. During the plain view search, officers discovered multiple boxes of cigarettes that lacked any legal documentation.
The intercepted individuals were identified only by their aliases — “Jaime,” 33, the driver, and “Rene,” 20, his helper — both residents of Zamboanga del Norte. Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband cigarettes originated from Dipolog City and were intended for delivery to Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
Confiscated from the suspects were:
- 200 reams of Astro Champion White
- 185 reams and 1 ten-pack of New Berlin Red
- A white Mitsubishi L300 vehicle used to transport the goods
The recovered items are currently held at Lopez Jaena MPS for documentation and will be formally turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper legal disposition.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of PRO10, praised the police team’s swift and coordinated action.
“I commend Lopez Jaena MPS for the successful interception of the smuggled cigarettes. Let us continue this effort and remain committed to our mission of safeguarding the region against criminal activities,” Suguilon said.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities.
This interception marks another win for PRO10 in its campaign against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in Northern Mindanao.