ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte – Authorities in Iligan City have intensified their campaign against cigarette smuggling after confiscating an estimated ₱3.04 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in three separate anti-smuggling operations conducted on June 23 and 24, 2026, resulting in the seizure of three vehicles believed to have been used in transporting the contraband.
The coordinated operations, led by the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other law enforcement agencies, underscore the government’s continuing crackdown on smuggling activities that deprive the state of much-needed revenues, undermine legitimate businesses, and fuel the illicit trade of untaxed products.
The first operation was carried out at around 6:40 a.m. on June 23 along the National Highway in Purok 2, Sitio Mapalad, Barangay Dalipuga, where personnel of the City Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit (CIU-CSOU), under the leadership of Police Colonel Mario M. Baquiran Jr., intercepted a white Isuzu Elf truck bearing Plate No. JBJ 1869 after it reportedly passed through the Triton Border Control Point.
The operation, conducted in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 10 Resident Agent–Iligan City, the Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), Police Station 3, and Task Force Iligan, resulted in the discovery of 30 master cases of “Modern” brand cigarettes concealed among sacks of ginger.
The truck’s occupants failed to produce the required Bureau of Customs importation documents, customs clearance, tax stamps, or proof of payment of customs duties and taxes. Authorities confiscated the cigarettes and the vehicle for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code.
The seized items included 30 master cases of Modern cigarettes worth approximately ₱1.2 million and the Isuzu Elf truck allegedly used to transport the contraband. The confiscated items were inventoried in the presence of elected barangay officials and media representatives before being prepared for turnover to the Bureau of Customs. The individuals involved were temporarily released pending the Bureau of Customs’ adjudication and appropriate legal proceedings.
In a second operation later that day, joint operatives from the Criminal Investigation Unit–City Special Operations Unit, the Regional Intelligence Division Resident Agent–Iligan City, and Task Force Iligan intercepted another delivery truck at a border control point after it allegedly bypassed mandatory inspection procedures.
A thorough inspection revealed 30 master cases containing approximately 1,500 reams of assorted branded cigarettes hidden beneath agricultural goods in an apparent attempt to evade inspection.
Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated cigarettes at ₱1.2 million. The delivery truck used in transporting the contraband was likewise seized, while two male individuals, aged 49 and 45, residents of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, respectively, were apprehended for investigation in connection with the incident.
Less than twenty-four hours later, authorities scored another significant accomplishment through a hot pursuit operation that originated from a reported hit-and-run incident in Barangay Tubod at around 5:17 p.m. on June 23 involving a white Toyota Land Cruiser bearing Plate No. KDO 7583 and a Honda Mobilio with Plate No. KAC 4988.
Personnel of the Iligan City Mobile Force Company–SWAT, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenneth S. Salvacion, immediately launched a coordinated hot pursuit operation with Iligan City Police Station 1, the Traffic Enforcement Unit, and the City Intelligence Unit.
The operation led authorities to an abandoned Toyota Land Cruiser containing suspected smuggled cigarettes.
At around 10:20 a.m. on June 24, personnel of the Bureau of Customs led by SAI Karen Lynn B. Diansay, LPT, MPA, ESS Sector Commander, and Alyssa-Jasrina M. Macapaar, CIIS Special Agent I, together with members of ICMFC-SWAT and Iligan City Police Station 1, conducted an inventory of the recovered items.
Authorities recovered 800 reams of Modern Red cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱640,000, along with the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 believed to have been used in transporting the alleged smuggled products.
The confiscated cigarettes and vehicle will also be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper custody, disposition, and the institution of appropriate legal proceedings.
Combined, the three anti-smuggling operations resulted in the confiscation of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth approximately ₱3.04 million, the seizure of three transport vehicles, and the disruption of what authorities believe are organized smuggling activities operating within and passing through Iligan City.
Police Colonel Mario M. Baquiran Jr., City Director of the Iligan City Police Office, lauded the operating units and partner agencies for their vigilance, professionalism, and strong inter-agency coordination in carrying out the operations.
“This successful anti-smuggling operation demonstrates the Iligan City Police Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting our economy and ensuring that our laws are enforced without fear or favor. Smuggling deprives the government of much-needed revenue and undermines legitimate businesses. We will continue to strengthen our coordination with partner agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs and other law enforcement units, to prevent the entry and transport of illicit goods in our area. I commend all operating personnel for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out this operation,” Baquiran said.
He further emphasized that the ICPO remains steadfast in supporting the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage through sustained intelligence-driven operations and close collaboration with the Bureau of Customs and other law enforcement agencies.
The Iligan City Police Office said it will continue strengthening border monitoring, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination to curb the entry and movement of smuggled goods, protect legitimate commerce, preserve government revenues, and uphold peace and order throughout Iligan City and neighboring areas.