LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted an estimated P400,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a joint checkpoint operation in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, on Monday night, leading to the apprehension of a driver and his passenger.
The operation was conducted at around 8:15 p.m. by personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDNPPO), in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), 2nd PMFC LDNPPO, Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Lanao del Norte, 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Division 10, and the Linamon Municipal Police Station.
According to police reports, operatives flagged down a silver Mitsubishi pickup at the checkpoint for routine inspection. While verifying the vehicle and its occupants, officers reportedly noticed in plain view several cartons of suspected smuggled cigarettes placed on the vehicle’s back seat.
A subsequent inspection uncovered 10 master cases containing 500 reams of Fort cigarettes. The driver allegedly failed to present any valid documents, permits, or tax declarations covering the cargo.
The confiscated cigarettes were estimated to have a market value of PhP400,000. Authorities also impounded the pickup truck believed to have been used in transporting the contraband.
During initial questioning, the driver reportedly claimed that the cigarettes belonged to a friend and were being transported from Santa Barbara, Zamboanga City to Iligan City.
The driver and his passenger were taken to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, investigation, and profiling before being referred to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate action.
Police said the seized cigarettes and the vehicle remain under the custody of the 1st PMFC, Lanao del Norte pending their formal turnover to the BOC.
Authorities have yet to announce possible charges, but the operation forms part of intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the transport and distribution of alleged smuggled tobacco products in Northern Mindanao.