ILIGAN CITY — Authorities have turned over an abandoned vehicle loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following a police operation that began with a tip-off on illegal transport activities.
The turnover took place at around 9:20 a.m. on April 28, 2026, at the BOC Sub-Port in Barangay Saray, after local police secured the vehicle and its contents.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), personnel from Iligan City Police Station 2 initially received information at approximately 7:35 p.m. on April 25 regarding a black minivan allegedly being used to transport smuggled cigarettes within the city.
Acting on the report, authorities later located the vehicle abandoned in Barangay Maria Cristina. The unidentified driver had reportedly fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. A traffic citation for obstruction was issued against the vehicle, but further inspection revealed boxes of cigarettes visibly stacked inside, raising suspicion of illegal activity.
On April 26, the minivan was brought to the police station for proper documentation and safekeeping. It was subsequently placed under the custody of the BOC for formal inspection and inventory procedures.
During the inventory, authorities recovered a Suzuki minivan containing a total of 1,249 reams of Cannon Menthol Cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱999,200. The volume and manner of transport suggest a coordinated smuggling operation, according to initial assessments.
The BOC is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the seized goods to determine violations of customs laws, including possible breaches of the country’s anti-smuggling regulations.
Meanwhile, police investigators are continuing efforts to identify and locate the driver who abandoned the vehicle, as well as other individuals who may be involved in the illegal transport and distribution of the contraband.
Authorities reiterated their warning against smuggling activities, emphasizing that such operations deprive the government of much-needed revenue and undermine legitimate businesses. They also urged the public to report suspicious activities to help curb the proliferation of illicit trade.