ILIGAN CITY — Police authorities seized more than ₱1.66 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Iligan City on September 1, after two vans were intercepted carrying thousands of reams of tobacco products that the occupants allegedly could not support with the required importation and tax documents.
The operation was conducted at around 4:50 p.m. at Purok 5, Sitio Mapalad, along the National Highway in Barangay Dalipuga, by personnel of the City Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit (CIU-CSOU) in coordination with other police units.
Two Toyota Hiace vans, one white and another Silver Mica Metallic, were flagged down after passing through the Dalipuga Checkpoint.
During the inspection, police personnel reportedly noticed several boxes containing cigarettes marked “MODERN” inside the vehicles.
A more thorough inspection resulted in the recovery of 2,082 reams of cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱1,665,600.
The four occupants of the two vehicles were reportedly residents of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Authorities said the occupants allegedly failed to present documents required to establish the lawful importation and taxation of the tobacco products, including importation documents, Bureau of Customs clearance, tax stamps and proof of payment of applicable customs duties and internal revenue taxes.
During the initial investigation, the occupants reportedly told authorities that the cigarettes came from Marawi City.
They allegedly claimed that they had been hired in Balo-i to transport the shipment to Cagayan de Oro City, with the drivers and passengers serving as the individuals tasked with transporting the cigarettes.
However, police authorities emphasized that the statements provided by the occupants remain subject to verification and further investigation.
Investigators are expected to establish the actual source and ownership of the shipment, as well as the identities of the individuals who may have arranged its transportation and intended distribution.
The seized cigarettes and the two vehicles were secured for proper documentation and appropriate disposition, with authorities coordinating with the Bureau of Customs regarding the handling of the confiscated tobacco products.
The operation forms part of the continuing campaign of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) against the illegal movement of tobacco products and other smuggled goods in Northern Mindanao.
PRO 10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, swift police response and coordination with partner agencies in addressing smuggling and other criminal activities.
The Iligan City interception also highlights the role of strategic highway checkpoints in detecting and disrupting the movement of suspected undocumented goods being transported through major routes in Northern Mindanao.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional individuals or organized groups may be behind the shipment and to identify possible violations of customs and tax laws.