KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted ₱240,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested a suspected transporter during a routine checkpoint operation conducted by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) on Monday afternoon, July 13.
The operation took place at around 3:30 p.m. at Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil-1, where police personnel flagged down a silver-gray Toyota Wigo as part of regular checkpoint procedures.
The driver, identified only by the alias “Aziz,” 33 years old, married, and a resident of Lanao del Sur, was initially issued a citation for failing to wear a seat belt. However, while conducting a visual inspection of the vehicle, officers noticed several boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes in plain view on the rear seats.
A more thorough inspection revealed that the vehicle was carrying 300 reams of White Fort Menthol cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱240,000, based on the valuation of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Police then required the driver to present documents authorizing the transport and possession of the tobacco products. However, he failed to produce any valid importation or transport documents, prompting authorities to place him under arrest.
In addition to the cigarettes, authorities also confiscated the Toyota Wigo allegedly used to transport the contraband.
Cigarettes Intended for Distribution
Initial investigation revealed that the suspected smuggled cigarettes originated from Picong, Lanao del Sur, and were being transported to Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, where they were reportedly intended for local distribution.
The arrested suspect was brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation before being referred to the Bureau of Customs for the filing of appropriate charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle were turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City for inventory, safekeeping, and proper disposition pending legal proceedings.
PRO-10 Warns Against Smuggling
Police Regional Office-10 Director PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating personnel for their alertness and commitment to curbing the movement of illegal goods within the region.
He emphasized that authorities will continue intensifying checkpoint operations to dismantle smuggling activities and prevent the use of public roads as distribution routes for contraband.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to those engaged in smuggling activities: PRO10 will not tolerate any attempt to use our roads as routes for illegal trade. Our personnel will remain vigilant, and we will continue to strengthen our checkpoint operations to intercept contraband and apprehend violators,” Abrahano said.
The seizure forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, to combat the illegal trade of untaxed and smuggled tobacco products, which deprive the government of tax revenues and undermine legitimate businesses. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the shipment and identify other individuals who may be involved in the alleged smuggling operation.