Authorities seized an estimated ₱760,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during a checkpoint operation in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, early Monday morning, August 10, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 5:40 a.m. at BCP Plaridel in Barangay Eastern Looc, where law enforcement personnel intercepted a Toyota Innova reportedly carrying a large quantity of cigarettes believed to have been illegally imported and transported.
Arrested were alias “Rani,” 22, a driver and resident of Zamboanga City, and alias “Joel,” 52, a farmer and resident of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The checkpoint operation was led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office, in coordination with personnel of BCP Plaridel, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Plaridel Municipal Police Station. The operation was conducted in the presence of members of the media.
During the inspection, authorities recovered 950 reams of Red Berlin cigarettes from the vehicle. The seized cigarettes were estimated to have a total market value of ₱760,000.
Police said the two individuals were unable to present the necessary documents showing the legal importation and transportation of the cigarettes when intercepted.
The seizure forms part of continuing law enforcement efforts against the illicit cigarette trade, which authorities say deprives the government of lawful customs duties and taxes while allowing untaxed tobacco products to enter and circulate in the market.
Following the operation, the two suspects and the confiscated cigarettes were brought to the Plaridel Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper processing.
The seized tobacco products are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Ozamiz City for appropriate disposition in accordance with existing rules and procedures.
Authorities are now preparing the appropriate charges against the arrested individuals for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The case highlights the continuing enforcement campaign in Northern Mindanao against the movement of suspected smuggled cigarettes, particularly along major road networks used to transport untaxed tobacco products across provincial borders.
The identities of the suspects were withheld beyond their aliases pending the filing and evaluation of the appropriate charges. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.