DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Police authorities intercepted and confiscated an estimated ₱866,910 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Makir, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, in the early hours of Friday, June 19.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOSMPS) following intelligence reports regarding the transport of suspected contraband goods through the municipality.
At around 2:30 a.m., authorities flagged down a white Suzuki Elf truck bearing plate number MAQ 7123 while passing through the checkpoint. The vehicle was being driven by Hamid Landangan Manday, 43, married, and a resident of Barangay Bayanga Sur, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte.
A thorough inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of alleged smuggled cigarettes concealed beneath the truck’s cargo area and covered with empty boxes, apparently in an attempt to evade law enforcement detection.
Recovered from the vehicle were 20 master cases of FORT cigarettes, equivalent to approximately 1,000 reams, with an estimated market value of ₱866,910, based on the standard floor price set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Authorities immediately arrested the driver and took him into custody for further investigation. The confiscated cigarettes, along with the transport vehicle, were brought to the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and processing.
Police investigators said the successful operation was the result of prior intelligence monitoring, which prompted authorities to establish heightened checkpoint measures in the area. The seizure prevented the suspected illegal tobacco products from reaching local markets, where smuggled cigarettes continue to undermine government tax collection efforts and legitimate business operations.
The DOSMPS has coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Sub-Port of Parang for the appropriate legal and administrative actions concerning the seized contraband. Authorities are also conducting a deeper investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the shipment and to identify other individuals who may be involved in the smuggling operation.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Director Christopher M. Abecia commended the operating personnel for the successful interdiction and reiterated the importance of sustained anti-smuggling campaigns across the region.
Abecia emphasized that intensified intelligence-driven operations and checkpoint activities remain crucial in combating the illegal trade of untaxed goods, which deprives the government of revenue and fuels illicit economic activities.
The suspect remains under police custody while authorities prepare the necessary charges and documentation related to the possession and transport of the alleged smuggled cigarettes. The seized items will remain under government control pending further legal proceedings and disposition by concerned agencies.