KOLAMBUGAN, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱7.609 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested a van driver who attempted to force his way through a police checkpoint during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation shortly after midnight on Sunday, June 28, in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
The successful operation was carried out by the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) in close coordination with several law enforcement and intelligence agencies, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign against the illegal trade of smuggled tobacco products.
Participating in the operation were personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the LDN PPO, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), Kolambugan Municipal Police Station (KMPS), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 10, Intelligence Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) 10, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 10, and the 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 10.
According to police, the operation stemmed from validated intelligence information regarding the transport of alleged smuggled cigarettes through the province. Acting on the report, authorities established a round-the-clock checkpoint at Purok 5, Barangay Libertad to intercept the suspected shipment.
At approximately 12:50 a.m., officers flagged down a white Mitsubishi Fighter wing van bearing Plate No. KAS 3388 after noticing that the driver was not wearing the required seat belt.
Instead of complying with police instructions, the driver allegedly attempted to break through the checkpoint in an apparent effort to evade inspection. Alert operating personnel immediately intercepted and safely blocked the vehicle, preventing its escape.
The driver, identified only by the alias “Ab,” 37, married, and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Claro M. Recto in Maigo, Lanao del Norte, was immediately taken into police custody.
Authorities said the vehicle matched the description provided in the intelligence report. A subsequent inspection of the cargo compartment uncovered a large cache of suspected smuggled cigarettes concealed inside the wing van.
The operating team immediately coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Iligan District and requested the presence of barangay officials to witness the inventory and seizure of the confiscated items in accordance with established legal procedures.
Recovered during the operation were:
- One white Mitsubishi Fighter wing van with Plate No. KAS 3388; and
- 190 master cases of Platinum cigarettes, each containing 50 reams, for a total of 9,500 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes.
Based on the Bureau of Customs’ valuation, the confiscated shipment has an estimated market value of ₱7,609,000.00.
The arrested driver was brought to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal disposition. Meanwhile, the seized vehicle and alleged smuggled cigarettes remain under the custody of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the LDN PPO pending their formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs for further investigation and appropriate proceedings.
Police Colonel Leo De Leon Sua, Provincial Director of the LDN PPO, commended the operating teams for the successful interception, describing the operation as another significant accomplishment in the province’s campaign against smuggling.
He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to supporting the government’s intensified anti-smuggling efforts, emphasizing that illegal trade not only deprives the government of legitimate revenue but also undermines lawful businesses and economic stability.
The LDN PPO likewise urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any information regarding the transport, storage, or distribution of illegal and smuggled goods.
Authorities emphasized that continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities remains essential in safeguarding the economy, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws throughout Lanao del Norte.