DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities confiscated more than Php1.38 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during a joint checkpoint operation conducted in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Sunday morning, June 1, 2026.
The successful operation was carried out jointly by personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOSMPS), the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14A (RMFB 14A), and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (MDNPPO).
According to police reports, authorities intercepted a white Nissan Vanette bearing Plate Number MAR 1949 at the checkpoint around 7:00 a.m. The vehicle was driven by an 18-year-old resident of Barangay Madia, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur, while a 26-year-old male resident of the same barangay served as passenger.
During inspection of the vehicle, law enforcement personnel discovered alleged smuggled cigarettes concealed beneath the cargo compartment and covered with empty soft drink bottles in an apparent attempt to avoid detection at the checkpoint.
Authorities recovered Thirty-Two (32) master cases and Twenty-One (21) reams of New Berlin cigarettes, totaling One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-One (1,621) reams. Based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) floor price, the confiscated cigarettes carried an estimated value of Php1,387,057.28.
The confiscated items, along with the arrested individuals, were immediately brought to the police station for proper documentation and disposition. Authorities also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Sub-Port Parang for appropriate legal and administrative action regarding the seized contraband.
Police authorities emphasized that the operation forms part of intensified efforts against smuggling activities in the Bangsamoro region, particularly the illegal transport and distribution of untaxed cigarette products that continue to affect government revenue collection and legitimate businesses.
PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended the operating units for the successful interdiction operation and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to strengthening anti-smuggling operations across the region.
“The interception of these alleged smuggled goods demonstrates that our personnel remain vigilant and committed to enforcing the law. We will continue to strengthen our operational efforts and partnerships with concerned agencies to prevent the entry and transport of illegal products in the region. Through sustained enforcement and public cooperation, we can better protect our communities and support legitimate trade and economic activities,” Abecia said.
Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the origin and intended destination of the smuggled cigarettes, as well as identify other individuals who may be involved in the illegal trading operation.