KOLAMBUGAN, Lanao del Norte — A joint law enforcement operation resulted in the seizure of an estimated ₱7.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of two individuals, including a 16-year-old passenger, during an intelligence-driven checkpoint operation at the Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, at around 9:30 a.m. on July 13.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO), in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), 2nd PMFC, Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), and the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases “Arip,” a 59-year-old married man who was driving the vehicle, and “Amil,” a 16-year-old passenger. Both are residents of Lanao del Sur.
Intelligence Leads to Major Smuggling Interception
According to police, the operation stemmed from validated intelligence reports indicating that a cargo truck was transporting suspected smuggled cigarettes through the area.
While conducting a round-the-clock checkpoint operation at the Regional Border Control Point, operatives flagged down an Isuzu dropside cargo truck traveling toward Iligan City. Initially, the driver was issued a citation for failing to wear a seatbelt.
However, during questioning, police officers noticed that both occupants appeared nervous and gave inconsistent responses. Their suspicious behavior prompted authorities to conduct further interviews.
The driver subsequently admitted that the truck was carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes and voluntarily allowed law enforcement personnel to inspect the vehicle.
A thorough inspection of the cargo compartment uncovered numerous sealed master cases of cigarettes carefully concealed beneath a shipment of coconut copra in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Investigators also confirmed that the truck matched the description provided in an earlier intelligence report involving the illegal transport of smuggled tobacco products.
Authorities later established that the shipment originated from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, and was reportedly destined for Cagayan de Oro City, where the cigarettes were intended for distribution.
Contraband Worth ₱7.2 Million
Recovered during the operation were:
- 140 master cases of Red Modern cigarettes containing approximately 7,000 reams;
- 40 master cases of Green Cannon cigarettes containing approximately 2,000 reams; and
- One Isuzu dropside cargo truck used in transporting the contraband.
Police placed the total estimated market value of the confiscated cigarettes and vehicle at ₱7.2 million.
The arrested suspects were brought to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Meanwhile, the seized cigarettes and the cargo truck remain under the custody of the 1st PMFC, Lanao del Norte PPO, pending their formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The BOC is expected to initiate appropriate forfeiture proceedings and file charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, against those found responsible.
PRO-10 Chief Commends Operating Units
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10), lauded the operating units for the successful intelligence-driven operation, emphasizing that the interception dealt another significant blow to the illegal cigarette trade in Northern Mindanao.
He reaffirmed PRO-10’s commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations across the region, stressing that close coordination among intelligence units and frontline police forces remains essential in preventing the movement of illicit goods, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding government revenues from losses caused by smuggling.
The latest seizure underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle smuggling networks operating across Mindanao’s transport corridors and border control points, where intelligence-led operations have become a key strategy in intercepting high-value illegal shipments before they reach commercial markets.