KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted and seized an estimated ₱120,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation conducted by police in Barangay Bansarvil 1 on the afternoon of February 21, 2026.
Personnel from the 4th Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company under the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) carried out the operation at around 2:40 p.m. in Purok 1 as part of intensified anti-smuggling and crime prevention efforts in the province.
According to police reports, checkpoint personnel flagged down a red Kawasaki Bajaj RE—locally known as a “bao-bao”—being driven by a 28-year-old married male resident of Barangay Sugod in Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
During the initial inspection, authorities discovered that the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration had already expired, an impoundable offense under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. LTO-deputized personnel then issued a Motor Vehicle Impounding Receipt (MVIR) against the driver.
Further inspection of the motorcycle revealed boxes of cigarettes concealed under the back seat but still visible to officers conducting the checkpoint. The items were suspected to be smuggled tobacco products.
Police immediately secured the vehicle and temporarily held both the motorcycle and its driver to allow proper documentation and verification of the confiscated goods. To ensure transparency and compliance with standard operating procedures, the operating team coordinated with a barangay councilor who served as a witness during the on-site inventory and seizure.
Authorities reported confiscating a total of 150 reams of cigarettes, consisting of 140 reams of Cannon Menthol White cigarettes and 10 reams of Casablanca Red cigarettes, with a combined estimated market value of about ₱120,000.
In a statement, Provincial Director PCOL Leo De Leon Sua of the LDN PPO commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and commitment to enforcing the law, noting that sustained checkpoint operations remain a key strategy in curbing smuggling and other illegal activities in the province.
Police said the confiscated cigarettes will undergo proper documentation and coordination with the appropriate agencies as authorities determine possible charges related to smuggling and violations of existing laws.