Police authorities seized an estimated ₱3.48 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after two vehicles loaded with cigarette products were found abandoned in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Maigo, Lanao del Norte, on the evening of September 23.
Personnel of the Maigo Municipal Police Station (MPS) spotted two white Mitsubishi L300 vans along an interior road in the barangay at around 9:24 p.m. One of the vehicles had its cargo compartment open, while the rear portion of the other van was closed.
As the police mobile patrol approached, several unidentified individuals reportedly fled toward a densely vegetated portion of the area. A red vehicle was also seen speeding away from the vicinity.
Police, with assistance from personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), immediately conducted a follow-up operation in the area.
The operation led authorities to the two abandoned Mitsubishi L300 vans and a nearby warehouse where boxes of Modern cigarettes were discovered.
Authorities reported recovering a total of 85 boxes of Modern cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱3.4 million, along with 100 reams valued at approximately ₱80,000.
The combined estimated value of the seized cigarette products reached ₱3.48 million.
Also taken into police custody were the two Mitsubishi L300 vehicles allegedly used to transport the cigarette products and an improvised replica rifle found among the items recovered during the operation.
The seized cigarettes, vehicles and other recovered items were brought to the Maigo MPS, where they remain under police custody pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition and further proceedings.
No arrests were reported in connection with the operation as of the initial report. Police are continuing their investigation to identify the individuals who abandoned the vehicles and determine the source, intended destination and other circumstances surrounding the suspected smuggling activity.
The operation highlights the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement in monitoring the movement of untaxed and potentially illegally imported goods through Northern Mindanao.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. emphasized the importance of sustained coordination among police units and partner government agencies in preventing the entry and transportation of smuggled goods in the region.
Authorities are expected to coordinate with the Bureau of Customs as the investigation proceeds, particularly in establishing the origin and legal status of the seized cigarette products and determining who may be held responsible for their transportation and possession.