CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) intensified its campaign against smuggling after authorities confiscated approximately ₱1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and apprehended four individuals, including two minors, in two separate anti-smuggling operations conducted in Lanao del Norte on July 6, 2026.
The coordinated operations, carried out by personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB-10) and local police units, resulted in the seizure of 1,250 reams of illicit cigarettes and two vehicles believed to have been used in transporting the contraband. Authorities are now preparing charges under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Checkpoint operation intercepts vehicle carrying contraband
The first operation took place at around 9:35 p.m. at the Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte.
Personnel from the 1005th Maneuver Company, RMFB-10, in coordination with the Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS) under the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), were conducting a routine checkpoint when they flagged down a Mitsubishi Estrada traveling from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, en route to Iligan City.
The vehicle was driven by alias “Ading,” 33, with alias “Ian,” 48, as passenger. Both are married residents of Lanao del Sur.
During the inspection, officers immediately noticed several reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes visible through the open rear passenger window. When asked to present documents authorizing the transport and ownership of the cargo, the occupants failed to produce any.
A more thorough inspection uncovered additional cigarette reams concealed beneath the driver’s seat, front passenger seat, and inside the vehicle compartment.
Police confiscated 250 reams of Red Modern cigarettes lacking the mandatory government health warning stickers, with an estimated market value of ₱200,000.
The two suspects were arrested and taken into the custody of the Pantar MPS for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.
Concerned citizen’s report leads to second seizure
Barely 25 minutes later, at around 10:00 p.m., another successful anti-smuggling operation unfolded in Barangay Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte following information provided by a concerned citizen.
The report indicated that suspicious individuals aboard a vehicle had been repeatedly roaming the area before parking approximately 10 meters from the National Highway in Purok 4.
Responding personnel from the Kauswagan Municipal Police Station immediately proceeded to the location and verified the report.
Upon arrival, police encountered two occupants identified only by their aliases—“Sarif,” a 17-year-old driver, and “Jab,” also a minor. Both are residents of Iligan City.
Authorities said the driver was unable to present a valid driver’s license.
During a visual inspection, officers observed several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes openly displayed on the rear seat. A subsequent search revealed additional cigarette reams concealed inside the vehicle compartment.
When asked to present documents proving the lawful ownership, transport, or authority to carry the goods, the driver failed to provide any supporting documents.
Police confiscated 1,000 reams of Fort Menthol 100’s cigarettes (white and green packaging), valued at approximately ₱800,000, along with the Mitsubishi Mirage sedan used in transporting the contraband.
Minors turned over to social welfare authorities
In accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law, the two minors were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in Kauswagan for appropriate intervention and processing.
Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes from both operations, along with the seized vehicle from the second operation, are pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition.
Authorities are preparing charges for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act against the appropriate respondents.
PRO-10 chief commends operating units
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO-10, lauded the operating personnel for their vigilance and commitment to safeguarding Northern Mindanao against the entry and distribution of illegal goods.
“The successful operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our police units to protect the public from the proliferation of smuggled products that deprive the government of legitimate revenues and undermine lawful businesses,” Abrahano said.
He likewise emphasized that PRO-10 will continue strengthening border control, checkpoint operations, and intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other partner agencies to combat smuggling activities across the region.
The twin operations underscore the intensified anti-smuggling campaign of law enforcement authorities aimed at disrupting the illegal trade of untaxed tobacco products and protecting both government revenue and consumer welfare.