Authorities from the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) scored a major anti-smuggling operation after seizing an estimated ₱16.12 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes discovered inside three abandoned trucks on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Barangay BPS Village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
The operation was launched after personnel from the Malabang Municipal Police Station swiftly responded to information regarding suspicious vehicles in the area. They coordinated with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and reinforcement units from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, including the 41st Special Action Company (SAC) and the 4th Special Action Battalion (4SAB).
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement operatives discovered three abandoned cargo vehicles: a white Isuzu Elf (plate number MBI 7241), an orange Isuzu Elf (plate number GNB 975), and a maroon Mazda Titan (plate number KAL 5106). Authorities noted that all vehicles had no keys and lacked pertinent registration documents, raising immediate suspicion.
A thorough inspection of the trucks revealed that they were loaded with coconuts, which were used to conceal a large volume of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country. Recovered from the vehicles were a total of 403 master cases of cigarettes, consisting of 90 master cases of Berlin cigarettes and 313 master cases of Canon cigarettes.
Police estimated the total value of the confiscated contraband at ₱16,120,000, underscoring the scale of the illicit operation.
The seized items are now under the custody of the Malabang Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing. Authorities said the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition and further investigation.
PRO BAR Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated response, emphasizing the importance of sustained anti-smuggling efforts in the region.
He stressed that illegal smuggling operations continue to pose serious threats to the country’s economy, depriving the government of much-needed revenues and undermining legitimate businesses. The regional police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage across the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities have yet to identify the individuals responsible for the abandoned shipment, and a follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine the source and intended distribution of the contraband goods.