KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted an estimated Php 840,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Bansarvil-1 on the evening of May 4, 2026, police said.
Personnel from the 4th Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), under the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, flagged down a white Mitsubishi Canter Elf truck (Plate No. CAZ 2996) at around 5:50 p.m. for a routine traffic violation.
Initial inspection revealed that the driver, a 23-year-old resident of Banali, Pagadian City, was not wearing a seatbelt. Authorities also found that the vehicle’s Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration had already expired—violations deemed impoundable under Republic Act No. 4136. Land Transportation Office (LTO)-deputized personnel subsequently issued a Motor Vehicle Impounding Receipt/Temporary Operator’s Permit (MVIR/TOP).
However, a more detailed inspection led to a significant discovery.
Police uncovered a concealed compartment beneath the truck’s welded metal flooring, which had been deliberately modified to hide cargo. Although no goods were declared and none were visible in the main compartment, authorities recovered 21 transparent cellophane packs hidden underneath. Each pack contained 50 reams of “Bros White” cigarettes, totaling 1,050 reams.
Based on valuation by the Bureau of Customs, each ream is priced at Php 800, bringing the total estimated value of the seized cigarettes to Php 840,000.
The driver and his passenger, also a resident of Pagadian City, were immediately taken into custody. Authorities coordinated with the Bureau of Customs–Iligan City and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for proper investigation and disposition of the case.
To ensure transparency, an elected barangay councilor witnessed the inventory and seizure of the items at the scene, in accordance with standard procedures.
Following the operation, the suspects were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation. The confiscated cigarettes and the impounded vehicle are currently under the custody of the 2nd PMFC, pending formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
Provincial Director PCOL Leo de Leon Sua commended the operating personnel for their swift and decisive action, emphasizing the continued crackdown on smuggling activities in the province.
Authorities have yet to determine the origin and intended destination of the contraband as the investigation continues.