Authorities in Lanao del Sur intercepted a smuggling attempt on Friday after a coordinated police operation led to the arrest of a suspect and the confiscation of ₱172,700 worth of illicit cigarettes in Brgy. Sumugot.
Personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, under PLT Amercasan B. Cali and supervised by Force Commander PMAJ Ivan John B. Bakian, worked closely with the Amai Manabilang Municipal Police Station (MPS) headed by PLT Dann Alfonso R. Ducut, along with the Bureau of Customs–Iligan City.
During a checkpoint operation, a white Toyota Innova (NAR 9024) attempted to evade inspection, prompting officers to chase the vehicle toward Wao. Amai Manabilang MPS immediately alerted the 3rd Platoon of the 1st PMFC stationed at the LDS–Bukidnon boundary.
Acting swiftly, responding personnel located the fleeing vehicle along a rough road in Brgy. Sumugot, where the suspect was caught unloading boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes. Officers recovered 10 boxes of illicit tobacco products from the vehicle. The suspect failed to present any legal documents, leading to his immediate arrest and the reading of his constitutional rights.
The suspect, vehicle, and seized contraband were turned over to the Amai Manabilang MPS for documentation and will be endorsed to the Bureau of Customs–Iligan City for appropriate charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (R.A. 10863).
The 1st PMFC said it remains committed to supporting frontline units, strengthening community safety, and intensifying anti-smuggling efforts across Lanao del Sur.