ILIGAN CITY – Authorities in Northern Mindanao seized ₱1.2 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and impounded a refrigerated delivery truck during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation in Iligan City on Thursday, July 16, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign against the illegal trade of untaxed tobacco products.
The operation, conducted at approximately 1:50 p.m. in Purok 5, Sitio Mapalad, National Highway, Barangay Dalipuga, was jointly carried out by the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) through the City Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit (CIU-CSOU) of the Iligan City Police Office, in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies.
According to authorities, the operation was launched after a white Isuzu refrigerated van truck reportedly passed through the Dalipuga Checkpoint operated by Task Force Iligan, prompting law enforcers to flag down the vehicle for inspection.
During the lawful inspection, police discovered several boxes of “PRAGON” brand cigarettes in plain view inside the cargo compartment. The occupants of the vehicle were unable to present the necessary importation documents, Bureau of Customs (BOC) clearance, tax stamps, or proof of payment of customs duties and internal revenue taxes, leading authorities to confiscate the shipment.
The driver was identified only by the alias “Rolly,” 37 years old, married, and a resident of Poblacion A, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, while the passenger, identified as alias “Larry,” 33 years old, married, resides in Pindulolunan, Baroy, Lanao del Norte.
Initial investigation revealed that the refrigerated truck had earlier traveled to Pagadian City to deliver spice products. After completing its delivery, investigators said the vehicle allegedly picked up the cigarette shipment for transport. Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the origin of the contraband, its intended destination, and whether other individuals or groups are involved in the smuggling operation.
Recovered from the vehicle were 1,500 reams of “PRAGON” brand cigarettes with an estimated suggested retail price (SRP) of ₱1,200,000, along with the refrigerated van used to transport the alleged smuggled goods.
The confiscated cigarettes and the two occupants will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation, safekeeping, and the filing of appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as the relevant provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).
Police said the seizure forms part of the government’s broader effort to crack down on the illegal entry and distribution of untaxed tobacco products, which deprive the government of significant tax revenues and undermine legitimate businesses.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano lauded the coordinated efforts of the operating units and reaffirmed PRO10’s commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations across Northern Mindanao.
“Through strengthened intelligence coordination and sustained checkpoint operations, PRO10 remains resolute in protecting legitimate trade and ensuring that individuals engaged in smuggling activities are held accountable under the law. We will continue to work closely with the Bureau of Customs and our partner agencies to curb the movement of illicit goods across Northern Mindanao,” Abrahano said.
The latest seizure highlights the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in intercepting illicit goods and strengthening border security, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.