CARMEN, Agusan del Norte — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a police operation along the shoreline of Purok 3, Baylanon in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on Thursday, May 7.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Carmen Municipal Police Station (MPS) after receiving information from a concerned citizen regarding the alleged unloading of suspicious cargo from a pump boat vessel along the coastal area.
Police responders, led by PLT Dennis C. Lozada, deputy chief of police, under the supervision of PLT Harold L. Chua, officer-in-charge of Carmen MPS, immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered abandoned container vans loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes believed to have been transported through illegal channels.
Confiscated during the operation were a total of 155 master cases of assorted cigarettes, including 90 cartons of white Greenhills cigarettes, 25 cartons of white Cannon cigarettes, and 40 cartons of red Casablanca cigarettes.
Also seized were three delivery vehicles allegedly used in transporting the contraband: a blue and silver FUSO container van bearing plate number WQB 409, a white Mitsubishi Canter with plate number RKG 532, and a white KIA container van with plate number MBA 1252.
According to PCOL April Mark C. Young, provincial director of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, the successful operation prevented the distribution of smuggled tobacco products in the province.
Young said the operation stemmed from a phone call made by a concerned citizen who reported suspicious activity involving the unloading of cargoes from a pump boat vessel near the shoreline.
“The responding team immediately conducted verification and discovered an abandoned FUSO container van loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes,” the provincial director said.
Authorities believe the cigarettes were abandoned after the suspects sensed the approaching police presence.
The confiscated items are now under the custody of Carmen MPS for proper documentation and disposition, while investigators continue conducting follow-up operations to identify and locate the individuals behind the smuggling activity.
Police said appropriate charges will be filed against those responsible once identified.
The seizure forms part of the intensified anti-smuggling campaign of the Philippine National Police in coordination with other law enforcement agencies aimed at curbing the illegal trade of untaxed tobacco products in Mindanao.