MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — Police authorities intercepted more than ₱1.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation along Narciso Ramos Highway in Barangay Daana-ingud on Friday afternoon, November 14.
At around 2:00 p.m., personnel of the Marantao Municipal Police Station, led by PSSg Raslanie S. Umpat under the supervision of Marantao Police Chief PMAJ Bobby Mario E. Egera, together with the 1403rd Mobile Force Company headed by PLT Neil G. Salaan, flagged down a silver Toyota Revo (Plate No. XCU-205). Officers spotted several reams of FORT cigarettes through the vehicle’s window, prompting an extensive inspection.
Authorities recovered a total of 2,100 reams—equivalent to 42 cases—of FORT brand cigarettes, all suspected to be smuggled and lacking the required tax documents. The estimated market value of the seized items reached ₱1,648,500.
The vehicle’s driver, identified as a 26-year-old resident of Barangay Basagan, Pualas, and his 20-year-old crew member from Barangay Notong, Pualas, were immediately placed under arrest after failing to present proper documentation for the cargo.
PNP BARMM spokesperson PLtCol. Jopy Ventura confirmed that the operation was part of the region’s intensified campaign against smuggling and illicit tobacco trade. He added that the Marantao PNP is now coordinating with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to determine the specific charges to be filed against the suspects.
The confiscated vehicle and contraband were brought to the Marantao Police Station for documentation and further investigation. Authorities stressed that operations against smuggled tobacco products will continue as part of efforts to curb tax evasion and protect legitimate businesses in the region.