MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — Authorities seized approximately ₱15.29 million worth of assorted smuggled cigarettes and arrested four individuals during an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Matampay, Marantao, Lanao del Sur, on August 21, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Sur Provincial Field Unit (PFU) and the Marantao Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal importation and transportation of tobacco products in the province.
According to the police report, Marantao MPS initially received intelligence information concerning the alleged unlawful movement of smuggled cigarettes from Picong, Lanao del Sur, reportedly bound for Maguing, where the tobacco products were allegedly intended to be delivered.
Authorities validated the information before conducting the interception, resulting in the discovery of two truck vans allegedly being used to transport the undocumented tobacco products.
Hundreds of Master Cases Confiscated
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 383 master cases of BOSQU cigarettes, with each master case containing 50 reams, and 173 master cases of Greenhill Menthol cigarettes, likewise containing 50 reams.
In total, authorities recovered 556 master cases of cigarettes from the two vehicles.
The confiscated tobacco products were estimated to have a combined value of approximately ₱15.29 million.
Two vehicles allegedly used to transport the cigarettes were also seized. These included a JMC N730 closed van and a red Mitsubishi 10-footer truck van.
With the vehicles and other pieces of evidence included, authorities placed the total estimated value of the confiscated evidence at approximately ₱18.29 million.
Police said the cigarettes were apparently non-compliant with requirements under existing tobacco and customs laws, including provisions concerning health warnings and the lawful importation of tobacco products.
Operation Conducted Under OPLAN MEGASHOPPER
The operation was conducted under OPLAN MEGASHOPPER, an enforcement initiative targeting the unlawful importation, transportation, and distribution of tobacco products.
Authorities said the operation involved enforcement of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The confiscation comes amid continuing law enforcement efforts to disrupt the movement of untaxed and undocumented tobacco products, which authorities say undermine legitimate businesses and government revenue while allowing potentially non-compliant products to enter the market.
Four Suspects Arrested
Four individuals were arrested during the operation.
Police said the suspects were informed of the cause of their arrest and properly apprised of their constitutional rights.
The four suspects, together with the seized cigarettes, vehicles, and other pieces of evidence, were brought to the CIDG Lanao del Sur PFU for documentation and appropriate disposition.
Authorities did not immediately provide further details regarding the identities of the suspects or the specific charges to be filed, pending the completion of the necessary investigation and legal proceedings.
The case is expected to undergo further assessment to determine the full circumstances surrounding the source, intended recipient, ownership, and distribution network connected to the seized tobacco products.
Police Commend Coordinated Enforcement
PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, commended the participating law enforcement units for their coordination and the successful interception of the shipment.
The operation, he emphasized, demonstrates the importance of intelligence gathering, information validation, and coordinated enforcement in preventing the illegal movement of tobacco products across Lanao del Sur.
The seizure also highlights the continuing challenge faced by authorities in monitoring the transportation of undocumented cigarettes through provincial roads and other potential supply routes.
With ₱18.29 million in total evidence reportedly taken off the supply chain, authorities said sustained operations will remain necessary to prevent the illegal importation and distribution of tobacco products in Lanao del Sur and surrounding areas.
The case remains under investigation, while the confiscated cigarettes and vehicles are being subjected to proper documentation and disposition in accordance with existing laws and procedures.