Authorities confiscated undocumented cigarette products valued at approximately ₱314,400 during a checkpoint operation at the Pantar Border Control Checkpoint in Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte on March 7, 2026.
Personnel stationed at the border checkpoint intercepted the shipment after inspecting a vehicle traveling from Marawi City toward Iligan City. During the inspection, authorities discovered two master cases and 293 reams of “Modern” brand cigarettes inside the vehicle.
According to reports, the driver was unable to present the required legal documents or permits authorizing the transport of the cigarette products. The absence of proper documentation prompted the authorities to immediately confiscate the items in accordance with existing regulations on the transport and sale of tobacco products.
Officials estimated the total value of the seized cigarettes at around ₱314,400.
A proper inventory of the confiscated items was conducted on-site in the presence of a barangay official to ensure transparency and compliance with standard procedures.
Following the seizure, both the driver and the confiscated cigarette products were brought to the appropriate authorities for proper documentation and further investigation. Authorities are currently determining the origin and intended distribution of the undocumented goods, as well as possible violations of tax and customs regulations.
The Pantar Border Control Checkpoint plays a crucial role in monitoring the movement of goods between Marawi City and Iligan City, particularly in preventing the smuggling and illegal transport of regulated products such as tobacco.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening checkpoint operations across the province to curb the proliferation of undocumented goods and ensure compliance with national trade and taxation laws.