LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Police authorities in Northern Mindanao confiscated an estimated ₱264,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and apprehended two individuals during separate checkpoint operations in the municipalities of Pantar and Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on August 13 and 14, 2026.
The operations, conducted as part of the continuing efforts of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) to prevent the illegal transport of smuggled goods, resulted in the recovery of a combined 330 reams of cigarettes from two vehicles. The two drivers were unable to present valid documents covering the cigarette products found in their possession, according to police authorities.
180 reams seized in Pantar
The first operation was conducted at approximately 8:35 p.m. on August 13 during a regular checkpoint at Barangay Campong, Pantar.
Personnel of the Pantar Municipal Police Station flagged down a white Toyota Corolla for routine inspection. During the inspection, police personnel reportedly observed several reams of cigarettes placed on the vehicle’s back seat.
The driver, identified by police as alias “Mak-Mak,” 21, single, and a resident of Lanao del Sur, was asked to present the necessary documentation for the cigarette products but failed to produce valid documents covering the items.
Police subsequently confiscated 180 reams of Red Modern cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱144,000.
The driver was taken to the Pantar Municipal Police Station for documentation and appropriate proceedings, while the confiscated cigarettes were secured at the station pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Another 150 reams recovered in Linamon
A second checkpoint operation was conducted at approximately 4:05 a.m. on August 14 at the 3rd Platoon area in Barangay Samburon, Linamon.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Intelligence Unit of LDN, 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group LDN, Regional Intelligence Division 10, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, and Linamon Municipal Police Station.
During the checkpoint, police flagged down a blue Bajaj Bao-Bao traveling from Kauswagan to Linamon, Lanao del Norte, for routine inspection and verification.
The vehicle was being driven by alias “Dato,” 47, married, a bao-bao driver, and a resident of Lanao del Norte.
Police said several reams of cigarettes were seen in plain view at the rear portion of the vehicle. When asked to present the required documents for the products, the driver was reportedly unable to provide valid documentation.
Authorities confiscated 150 reams of green Cannon-brand cigarettes, estimated to be worth ₱120,000, along with the blue Bajaj Bao-Bao used to transport the products.
The driver was brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings. The confiscated cigarettes and vehicle were secured by the 1st PMFC, LDN, pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
Possible violation of customs law
Police said the two apprehended individuals may face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), subject to the appropriate evaluation and filing of charges by the competent authorities.
The confiscations represent a combined estimated value of ₱264,000, based on the police assessment provided for the two separate operations.
The cases remain subject to further investigation and proper legal proceedings. The possession of the cigarette products and the absence of supporting documentation, as reported by police, do not by themselves constitute a final determination of criminal liability, which will ultimately be resolved through the appropriate legal process.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGen Christopher N. Abrahano commended the personnel involved in the operations for their vigilance and continued efforts to prevent the movement of suspected smuggled goods across Northern Mindanao.
The police operations underscore the continuing enforcement of customs and other applicable laws against the unauthorized transportation and distribution of imported cigarette products, while coordination with the Bureau of Customs is expected to determine the appropriate disposition of the seized items.