Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte – July 2, 2025 — Authorities from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office intercepted an estimated ₱552,000.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation at Purok 1, Barangay Butadon, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
The operation took place on July 2, 2025, where police flagged down a white Nissan Navara driven by a certain alias “Louie,” a 24-year-old resident of Barangay Patong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Accompanying him were two passengers, including a 44-year-old married male who is an active member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned in Surigao del Sur, and alias “Miko,” a 22-year-old male, also from Surigao del Sur.
The vehicle, which originated from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and was en route to Surigao del Sur, was subjected to standard inspection procedures at the checkpoint. Authorities became suspicious after noticing a cigarette pack partially visible from a garbage bag placed in the backseat of the vehicle.
Upon further inspection, police discovered a total of 940 reams of smuggled cigarettes:
- Seven master cases of Champion Menthol White (50 reams per case),
- Six master cases of Casablanca Red (50 reams per case), and
- 40 reams of Casablanca Red packed separately.
The suspects and the seized contraband are now under the custody of the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and legal proceedings. Authorities are preparing to file charges against the individuals for violating Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), lauded the vigilance and quick action of the operating units. “This successful interdiction is a clear testament to our commitment to curbing smuggling activities and upholding the law,” Suguilon stated.