MALABANG, Lanao del Sur — Authorities intercepted approximately P4.4 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals during an anti-criminality checkpoint operation in Barangay Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur, in the early hours of Saturday, June 6.
The successful operation was carried out at around 2:38 a.m. by joint law enforcement personnel from the Malabang Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the 101st Brigade, under the supervision of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) led by Acting Regional Director Christopher M. Abecia.
According to police reports, the suspects were traveling aboard three separate vehicles coming from Barangay Picong and heading toward Marawi City when they encountered the checkpoint established by security forces.
During the inspection, law enforcement officers discovered in plain view large quantities of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country. The inspection led to the seizure of thousands of reams of assorted cigarette brands, including:
- 700 reams of BERLIN cigarettes;
- 1,800 reams of CANNON Menthol cigarettes; and
- 3,000 reams of ARIS cigarettes.
Authorities estimated the total value of the confiscated contraband at approximately P4.4 million.
The seized cigarettes are currently under the custody of the Malabang Municipal Police Station, where documentation and inventory procedures are being conducted before the items are turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and further investigation.
Meanwhile, the three arrested individuals remain in police custody as authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges related to the possession and transport of the alleged smuggled goods.
PRO BAR officials emphasized that the operation highlights the effectiveness of intensified checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination in curbing illegal trade and preventing the circulation of untaxed and undocumented products in the region.
PBGEN Abecia commended the operating units for their vigilance and professionalism, stressing that the successful interception demonstrates the value of strong coordination among law enforcement agencies.
“We commend the vigilance, coordination, and professionalism of our personnel and partner units whose collective efforts led to the successful interception of these alleged smuggled goods. This success proves that through proper coordination and collective action, we become more effective in suppressing illegal activities and maintaining peace, order, and security in our communities,” Abecia said.
Authorities noted that cigarette smuggling continues to deprive the government of significant tax revenues while providing opportunities for organized criminal groups to profit from illicit trade.
PRO BAR reiterated its commitment to intensifying law enforcement operations, strengthening border security measures, and maintaining strict checkpoint inspections across the Bangsamoro region to ensure that individuals engaged in illegal activities are held accountable and that public safety and economic security are protected.
The seizure marks another significant accomplishment in the government’s continuing campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage in Mindanao.