DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted P9.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a major anti-smuggling operation at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion, Datu Odin Sinsuat, early morning of Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS) stopped two trucks—an Isuzu Close Van (Plate Number RCW 834) and an Isuzu Gas Tanker Truck (Plate Number MAZ 7538)—where they discovered 266 large boxes of imported cigarettes believed to have been manufactured in Indonesia.
Confiscated items included 36 boxes of Canon brand cigarettes and 230 boxes containing mixed brands of Green Hills and Bros, all labeled with “FOR EXPORT ONLY,” indicating that the goods were illegally diverted from the export market. The estimated market value of the seized contraband amounts to Php 9.5 million.
Two drivers were arrested in the operation and identified as Ryan Paciente Alamada, 22, single, and Mark Andrew Caritavo, 26, single, both residents of New Isabela, Tacurong City. They, along with the vehicles and confiscated cargo, are now under the custody of the DOS MPS.
Police said the suspects have committed to identifying the source of the smuggled cigarettes as part of the ongoing investigation. They are expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Authorities have coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for the proper seizure and forfeiture proceedings against the confiscated goods.