ILIGAN CITY — Authorities seized an estimated ₱1.64 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after intercepting an abandoned delivery van during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Tubod on Tuesday afternoon, March 10.
According to police reports, the operation was carried out at around 1:20 p.m. when law enforcement personnel flagged down a red Mitsubishi L300 van suspected of transporting illegal goods. Instead of complying with the inspection, the still-unidentified driver reportedly fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle, prompting authorities to secure and inspect the van.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 41 boxes of “Modern” brand cigarettes believed to have been illegally smuggled into the country. Authorities said the cigarettes had no accompanying documents or tax stamps, raising suspicion that the products had evaded proper customs duties and taxes.
The confiscated contraband is estimated to have a total market value of ₱1.64 million.
Police said the seizure constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 10863, which penalizes the unlawful importation, transport, and possession of smuggled goods without proper documentation and payment of duties.
Following the operation, the seized cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation, investigation, and eventual disposition.
Authorities are now conducting a follow-up investigation to identify and locate the suspect who abandoned the vehicle, as well as determine the possible source and distribution network of the smuggled cigarettes.
Officials reiterated their warning against the transport and trade of illegal tobacco products, emphasizing that intensified anti-smuggling operations will continue across the region to curb the entry of untaxed goods that undermine government revenue and legitimate businesses.