PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted more than ₱1.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an intelligence-driven anti-criminality checkpoint operation on Saturday morning, leading to the arrest of a truck driver transporting the contraband.
Police identified the suspect only by the alias “Arnulfo,” 46, a resident of Barangay New Lagaw in Tacurong City. He was apprehended at around 7:30 a.m. at a checkpoint established at the 2nd MP, 1401st Maneuver Company, RMFB 14-A Pinantao Detachment in Barangay Pinantao, Parang.
According to authorities, the suspect was driving a white Isuzu dump truck bearing plate number MCW 4434 when law enforcers flagged down the vehicle for inspection. The operation was led by personnel from the 2nd MP, 1401st MC, RMFB 14-A, in coordination with several law enforcement and intelligence units, including the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO BAR, RIU 15, PIU, the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, the Parang Municipal Police Station, and the Bureau of Customs Parang Sub-Port.
During the inspection, authorities discovered a total of 1,441 reams of New Berlin brand cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country. The seized contraband consisted of 20 master cases and an additional 441 reams, with an estimated market value of ₱1,233,034.88.
Police said the checkpoint operation was part of intensified efforts to curb smuggling and other criminal activities in the region, particularly along key transport routes where illegal goods are often moved.
The arrested driver is currently under the custody of the Parang Municipal Police Station while authorities prepare the appropriate charges against him. Meanwhile, the confiscated vehicle and the smuggled cigarettes are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Cotabato for proper documentation and disposition.
Officials reiterated their warning to individuals involved in smuggling activities, stressing that law enforcement agencies in the Bangsamoro region continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to prevent the entry and distribution of illegal goods.