ILIGAN CITY — Authorities intercepted a vehicle carrying an estimated ₱1.12 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during an intensified anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City, on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 12:55 p.m. at Purok 5, Sitio Mapalad, along the National Highway, following intelligence monitoring and the interception of a vehicle that had reportedly passed through the Dalipuga Checkpoint operated by Task Force Iligan.
The operation was led by the Iligan City Police Office Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit (CIU-CSOU) under PMAJ Clyde E. Cajocson, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID-10) Resident Agent in Iligan City, supervised by PLTCOL Karlo Eden Mahinay.
Personnel from the Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), Iligan City Police Station 3 (ICPS3), and Task Force Iligan, led by CPT Renato Espeja Jr., PA, also participated in the operation.
1,400 reams of cigarettes seized
During the operation, police flagged down a green Isuzu Forward aluminum van, reportedly registered to a male resident of Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City, for inspection.
Upon lawful inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered several boxes containing “GREENHILLS” brand cigarettes.
The vehicle was occupied by three adult males, all reportedly residents of Purok 3A, Barangay Poblacion, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
Authorities said the occupants failed to present the required documents covering the shipment, including importation papers, Bureau of Customs (BOC) clearance, tax stamps, and proof of payment of applicable customs duties and internal revenue taxes.
Because of the absence of the necessary documentation, the cigarettes were confiscated on suspicion that they were smuggled and had entered the country without the required customs and tax compliance.
A total of 1,400 reams of “GREENHILLS” cigarettes were seized, with an estimated Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of ₱1.12 million.
Also taken into custody was the green Isuzu Forward aluminum van allegedly used to transport the shipment.
The confiscated cigarettes and vehicle were inventoried and documented by the operating personnel before being placed under proper custody.
BOC to handle disposition
The seized items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper documentation, safekeeping, and appropriate disposition in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Authorities said the shipment is believed to potentially violate Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, although the final determination of any violation remains subject to investigation and adjudication by the appropriate authorities.
The three occupants were temporarily released pending the BOC’s adjudication and the conduct of appropriate legal proceedings.
ICPO vows stronger anti-smuggling campaign
Iligan City Police Office City Director PCOL Mario M. Baquiran Jr. said the interception demonstrates the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, checkpoint operations and coordination among law enforcement and government agencies in preventing the movement of illicit goods.
“We will continue to strengthen our efforts against the illegal entry and distribution of smuggled goods in Iligan City. Through effective coordination with our partner agencies and the cooperation of the public, we can protect legitimate businesses, safeguard government revenues, and ensure that those who violate our laws are held accountable,” Baquiran said.
The ICPO said it will continue strengthening its campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic crime through intensified intelligence operations, strategic checkpoints and closer coordination with partner agencies.
The police also emphasized that the confiscation is only the initial enforcement action, with the final legal disposition of the cigarettes, vehicle and persons involved to depend on the results of the investigation and proceedings before the proper government authorities.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of authorities in Northern Mindanao to prevent the illegal entry, transport and distribution of untaxed goods, which not only deprive the government of revenue but also undermine legitimate businesses that comply with customs and taxation requirements.