OZAMIZ CITY — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱1.3 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Purok 1, Barangay Labinay on the afternoon of April 2, 2026, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
Police identified the suspects only by their aliases “Aljabar,” 37, and “Salim,” 27, both residents of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
According to the Ozamiz City Police Station (CPS), the operation stemmed from routine checkpoint procedures when officers flagged down a Toyota Hiace van for inspection. During the initial encounter, the driver reportedly failed to present a valid driver’s license, prompting authorities to conduct a more thorough search of the vehicle.
It was during the inspection that operatives discovered multiple boxes containing what were believed to be smuggled cigarettes. Authorities said the shipment consisted of 50 boxes of Forth Menthol, 10 boxes of New Berlin Red, and five boxes of Cannon Menthol.
The seized items, including the vehicle used for transport, were immediately brought to the Ozamiz CPS for proper documentation and custody.
Police said the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for verification and appropriate disposition, as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal and untaxed tobacco products in the region.
The suspects are expected to face charges for violations of customs and tax laws, pending further investigation.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying checkpoint operations, noting that the smuggling of cigarettes continues to undermine government revenue collection and poses challenges to law enforcement in Mindanao.