LANAO DEL NORTE — Police operatives of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC), under the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office (LDN PPO), seized an estimated ₱440,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation shortly after midnight on November 17, 2025, in Purok 1, Bansalvil-1, Kapatagan.
According to authorities, checkpoint personnel flagged down a red Kia Bongo (plate number KAO 4147) en route to Kapatagan. During the initial inspection, officers noticed that part of the vehicle’s flooring had been lifted. A closer look using a flashlight revealed green boxes hidden beneath the floorboard, strongly suspected to contain smuggled cigarettes.
However, when the driver was ordered to pull over for a full inspection, he suddenly sped off and attempted to hit several police personnel, prompting the team to initiate a hot pursuit toward the Butadon checkpoint. Additional units were immediately deployed to Maranding, Lala, and Taguitic to intercept the suspect. Despite the rapid response, the driver initially managed to escape.
Through close coordination with the 51st Mechanized Company, 5th Mechanized Battalion, the abandoned vehicle was later discovered along a dead-end road in Purok 4, Bansalvil-1. The truck had been deserted with no ignition key, no Official Receipt (OR), and no Certificate of Registration (CR). Investigators, however, found a citation receipt linked to the vehicle’s plate number and registered to an individual with the alias “Maki.”
A joint inspection team, in the presence of barangay officials, confirmed the presence of Cannon-brand smuggled cigarettes concealed within the vehicle’s modified flooring. Proper seizure and inventory procedures were conducted on-site.
Authorities confiscated 11 master cases of Cannon White cigarettes, each containing 50 reams—a total of 550 reams with an estimated value of ₱440,000.
The vehicle is now secured at the 2nd PMFC headquarters, while the seized cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for appropriate disposition.
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of LDN PPO, commended the swift action and vigilance of the operating personnel, stressing the Philippine National Police’s commitment to safeguarding the province from illegal trade.
“Our personnel remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our communities. This successful operation demonstrates our continuous efforts to curb illegal trade and protect the local economy,” he said.
Authorities are now working to identify and locate the suspect behind the smuggling attempt as part of their intensified campaign against illicit activities in Lanao del Norte.