PANTAR, Lanao del Norte – Authorities intercepted nearly ₱390,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation in Pantar, Lanao del Norte, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old driver and the confiscation of hundreds of reams of contraband tobacco products.
According to the Pantar Municipal Police Station, the operation was conducted at around 2:30 a.m. on June 25 at a checkpoint in Barangay Campong, Pantar, where police flagged down a Mitsubishi L300 traveling toward Iligan City.
The vehicle was being driven by an 18-year-old suspect identified only by the alias “Waiwai.”
During the inspection, police discovered discrepancies between the vehicle’s registered plate number and the details indicated in its Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR), prompting authorities to conduct a more thorough examination of the vehicle.
Upon inspecting the cargo area, officers discovered several boxes containing what were believed to be smuggled cigarettes.
The driver reportedly failed to present any legal documents or importation permits proving the legitimacy of the shipment, resulting in his immediate arrest.
Authorities recovered a total of 487 reams of Modern Red cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱389,600.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Pantar Municipal Police Station while appropriate charges are being prepared. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes are scheduled to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for proper disposition and further investigation.
Police said the seizure forms part of the intensified campaign against the transport and distribution of smuggled goods in Northern Mindanao. Checkpoint operations have been strengthened across key highways in an effort to curb the entry of untaxed and illegally imported products that deprive the government of revenue and undermine legitimate businesses.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining anti-smuggling operations and urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious transport activities that may involve illegal goods.