LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Authorities recovered dozens of boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes after they were found abandoned during a routine police patrol on Saturday afternoon, February 21, reinforcing the government’s campaign against illegal trade in the province.
The Basilan Police Provincial Office reported that a total of 67 boxes of New Orleans brand cigarettes were discovered in Sitio Kayu Poteh, Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City at around 1:00 p.m. Police said the cartons were left in plain view, suggesting that individuals involved in the illicit transport may have fled upon sensing the presence of law enforcement authorities in the area.
The recovery operation was carried out by personnel of the Lamitan City police station led by PLtCol. Elmer P. Solon, chief of police, in coordination with elements of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under PLt. Mohammad H. Hadjula. The team was conducting a mobile patrol when they came across the abandoned shipment, which authorities believe is linked to smuggling activities that continue to challenge law enforcement in parts of Basilan.
According to police officials, the recovery is connected to violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which penalizes the illegal importation, transport, and distribution of untaxed goods, including cigarettes. Smuggled tobacco products are considered a major source of revenue loss for the government and are often tied to organized illegal trade networks operating in coastal and island provinces.
Authorities immediately secured the area and conducted an on-site inventory of the recovered items. The process was carried out in the presence of Barangay Chairman Muamar P. Alano and Barangay Secretary Basir J. Ismael to ensure transparency and compliance with standard operating procedures for evidence handling and documentation.
Police said the recovered cigarettes are now under proper custody as investigators work to determine the source of the shipment and identify individuals responsible for abandoning the contraband. Follow-up operations and intelligence gathering are ongoing to trace possible smuggling routes and dismantle networks involved in the illegal cigarette trade in Basilan.
Provincial Director PCOL Cerrazid A. Umabong commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and swift action, emphasizing that sustained patrols and coordinated enforcement remain key strategies in curbing illicit activities in the province.
The Basilan Police Provincial Office reiterated its commitment to strictly enforce the law, intensify anti-smuggling operations, and safeguard communities from illegal activities that undermine local economies and public order.