KINOGUITAN, Misamis Oriental — Police authorities seized an estimated ₱1.48 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after uncovering 37 cartons abandoned by still-unidentified individuals in Purok 2, Barangay Buko in Kinoguitan, early Thursday morning.
The operation took place at around 4:50 a.m. after the Kinoguitan Municipal Police Station received actionable intelligence from a Barangay Intelligence Network asset regarding suspicious activity in the area. Acting swiftly, intelligence operatives of the Kinoguitan MPS, serving as the lead unit, coordinated with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office to verify the report.
Upon arrival, police personnel noticed several individuals who immediately fled the scene upon sensing the presence of law enforcers, leaving behind the suspected contraband.
A subsequent inspection led to the recovery of 37 cartons of Canon Menthol cigarettes, believed to be illegally imported. Authorities placed the seized items under police custody for proper documentation and safekeeping.
Police said the cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition in accordance with existing laws and regulations. An investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal activity.
The seizure underscores the continuing efforts of local police units to curb smuggling and protect government revenue, while preventing the circulation of illegal goods in local communities.