LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Authorities confiscated an estimated Php320,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation conducted early morning on May 31, 2026, in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte.
The operation was carried out at around 7:30 a.m. by joint personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU-LDN), 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (1005th RMFB10), and the Linamon Municipal Police Station (LMPS).
According to police reports, checkpoint personnel flagged down a blue Bajaj Bao-Bao bearing plate number 114KYT driven by a 26-year-old identified only by his alias “Abu,” a married resident of Barangay Inudaran, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
While inspecting the vehicle, authorities reportedly observed several boxes of cigarettes openly loaded at the back portion of the tricycle. Upon further verification, the driver allegedly failed to present legal documents or proof authorizing the transport of the cigarette products.
Police immediately conducted a seizure and inventory of the items in the presence of a Barangay Kagawad who served as witness during the operation.
Confiscated from the vehicle were eight master cases of Cannon Menthol Cigarettes containing approximately 400 reams with an estimated market value of Php320,000. Also seized was the blue Bajaj Bao-Bao used to transport the alleged contraband.
The driver and his passenger were later brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and documentation.
Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the impounded vehicle are now under the custody of the 1st PMFC pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate legal action and further investigation.
Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Director PCOL Leo De Leon Sua underscored the significance of sustained checkpoint operations in curbing the spread of illegal and untaxed products in the province.
“LDN PPO remains steadfast in intensifying checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to combat all forms of smuggling and other unlawful activities in the province. The confiscation of these alleged smuggled cigarettes reflects our firm commitment to support government efforts against economic sabotage and ensure that those violating our laws will be held accountable,” Sua said.
Authorities assured the public that anti-smuggling operations and intensified law enforcement activities will continue across Lanao del Norte to protect communities and preserve peace and order in the province.