Authorities intercepted nearly ₱900,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation conducted along the national highway in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City, on May 19, 2026.
Operatives from the City Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit (CIU-CSOU), working in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 10 Resident Agent Iligan City, ICPS 3, and Task Force Iligan, confiscated a large volume of undocumented cigarette products following the inspection of a cargo truck in Purok 2, Sitio Mapalad.
Initial investigation revealed that a white Isuzu Elf truck was flagged down by authorities after reportedly passing through the Dalipuga Border Control Point (BCP). During the lawful inspection of the vehicle, law enforcement personnel discovered several reams of “Greenhills” brand cigarettes visibly stacked inside the truck.
The vehicle driver was identified only by his alias “Loloy,” 24 years old, married, and a resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Also onboard the truck were alias “Junjun,” 21 years old, single, from Capalong, Agusan del Sur, and alias “Chard,” 41 years old, married, and a resident of Midsalip, Pagadian City.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the confiscation of 1,108 reams of “Greenhills” cigarettes with an estimated market value of PhP886,400.00. The Isuzu Elf truck used in the transport of the alleged contraband was also seized.
According to investigators, the suspects failed to present the necessary importation documents, Bureau of Customs (BOC) clearance, tax stamps, or proof of payment of lawful customs duties and internal revenue taxes, placing them in violation of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation, inventory, and safekeeping. Meanwhile, the three individuals apprehended during the operation were temporarily released pending adjudication and further proceedings by the BOC.
Police Regional Office-10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for the successful operation, emphasizing the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies against smuggling activities in Northern Mindanao.
Authorities reiterated that anti-smuggling operations remain a priority as the illegal trade of untaxed cigarettes continues to deprive the government of revenue while fueling illicit economic activities.