PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱385,000 during a checkpoint operation early Wednesday morning, March 25, leading to the arrest of two افراد, including a minor.
The operation, conducted jointly by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14A (RMFB-14A) and the Parang Municipal Police Station (MPS), took place at around 7:00 a.m. in Duran, Barangay Sarmiento. Police flagged down a gray minivan bearing plate number KBA-4002, which was later found to be loaded with hundreds of reams of undocumented cigarettes.
According to Town Acting Chief PLtCol Mark Harry Boglosa, the suspects were identified only as alias “Hassan,” 23, a resident of Sultan Gumander, Lanao del Sur, and his 15-year-old companion. Both were immediately taken into custody following the discovery of the contraband.
Seized from the vehicle were an estimated 142 reams of New Berlin cigarettes and 187 reams of Fort cigarettes, all believed to have been smuggled into the country without proper documentation or payment of taxes. Authorities said the volume of the confiscated goods underscores the continued presence of illicit tobacco trade operations in the region.
Images released by the police showed stacks of cigarette reams tightly packed inside the minivan, indicating an apparent intent to distribute the products on a larger scale.
The suspects are currently detained at the Parang MPS while authorities complete the inventory and documentation of the seized items. The confiscated cigarettes are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and further investigation.
Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying checkpoint operations as part of the government’s crackdown on smuggling and other illegal activities, particularly in areas vulnerable to illicit trade routes.
Charges related to violations of customs and tax laws are being prepared against the adult suspect, while proper procedures are being followed in handling the minor in conflict with the law.