PANTAR, Lanao del Norte – Authorities intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes worth more than P434,000 and arrested two individuals during a routine checkpoint operation at the Pantar Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte, on the evening of June 10, 2026.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel of the 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO).
Police identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases, “Hansoy,” 19, a married student, and “Jong-Jong,” 35, a married unemployed resident. Both are residents of Barangay Taglatawan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
According to authorities, the suspects were aboard a Mitsubishi van traveling from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and heading toward Iligan City when they were flagged down at the checkpoint at around 6:50 p.m.
During the inspection, law enforcers noticed several reams of cigarettes openly visible through one of the vehicle’s windows and stacked on the cargo area floor. The suspicious cargo prompted authorities to conduct a closer examination of the vehicle.
When questioned, the occupants failed to present any documents proving the legality of the shipment, leading to their immediate apprehension and the confiscation of the cigarettes.
Seized from the vehicle were a total of 543 reams of Canon cigarettes that allegedly lacked the mandatory government health warning labels required under Philippine law. Authorities estimated the market value of the confiscated contraband at approximately P434,400.00.
Initial investigation revealed that the smuggled cigarettes originated from Marawi City and were intended for distribution in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The arrested individuals were brought to the Pantar Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the Mitsubishi van used in transporting the contraband are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for proper disposition and further legal proceedings.
Police said the operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling and the illegal distribution of untaxed tobacco products, which deprive the government of revenues and undermine legitimate businesses.
Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10), lauded the operating units for their vigilance and successful interception of the illegal shipment.
“The successful seizure highlights the commitment of our personnel in securing regional borders and preventing the entry and transport of contraband goods,” Abrahano said, emphasizing the importance of sustained checkpoint operations in curbing smuggling activities across Northern Mindanao.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the shipment and determine whether other individuals or groups are involved in the illegal tobacco distribution network.