LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) intensified its campaign against smuggling after authorities confiscated an estimated ₱720,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven individuals during two consecutive checkpoint operations in the municipality of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on July 22 and 23, 2026.
The successful operations were carried out by joint personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Linamon Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) at a checkpoint established by the 3rd Platoon in Barangay Samburon.
First Operation Nets Two Suspects, ₱320,000 Worth of Cigarettes
The first operation took place at approximately 3:45 p.m. on July 22, when authorities flagged down a white Toyota Hi-Ace van traveling from Zamboanga City to Davao City.
Police identified the driver only by the alias “Bassir,” 43, and his passenger, “Enir,” 31, both married and residents of Jolo, Sulu.
According to police, the occupants displayed evasive behavior and provided inconsistent answers during routine verification at the checkpoint, prompting officers to conduct further questioning.
The driver later admitted that the vehicle was transporting suspected smuggled cigarettes. A subsequent inspection confirmed the presence of the contraband, while the suspects failed to produce any valid documents authorizing the transport and possession of the products.
Authorities confiscated:
- 300 reams of Greenhill Menthol cigarettes
- 100 reams of Commando Menthol cigarettes
The seized cigarettes were valued at approximately ₱320,000, while the Toyota Hi-Ace van used in transporting the illegal goods was also impounded.
Hidden Compartment Discovered in Second Checkpoint Operation
Less than 24 hours later, at around 10:40 a.m. on July 23, the same joint operating units conducted another checkpoint at the same location, leading to another significant anti-smuggling operation.
Police intercepted an Isuzu Utility vehicle traveling from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, to Iligan City.
Authorities arrested five occupants identified only by their aliases:
- “Anhar,” 19, married, driver
- “Alba,” 26, married, motor mechanic
- “Hadji,” 20, single, unemployed
- “Aming,” 18, single, unemployed
- “Ansul,” 17
Also found inside the vehicle was “Pading,” 17.
During inspection, officers immediately noticed several reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes openly placed inside a transparent plastic storage box attached to the vehicle’s carrier.
A more thorough search led to the discovery of a customized hidden compartment beneath the vehicle’s flooring, where additional reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes had been concealed.
Authorities recovered:
- 500 reams of Greenhill Menthol cigarettes
with an estimated market value of ₱400,000.
The Isuzu Utility vehicle used in transporting the contraband was likewise confiscated.
Charges Being Prepared
All apprehended individuals were taken to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and custodial procedures.
Meanwhile, the seized vehicles and confiscated cigarettes are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition and inventory.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which penalizes the unlawful importation, transportation, possession, and distribution of smuggled goods.
The twin operations underscore the continuing efforts of PRO-10 and partner law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security and disrupt the movement of illegal products across Northern Mindanao, as authorities maintain intensified checkpoint operations aimed at curbing smuggling activities in the region.