ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized an estimated ₱480,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after intercepting a vehicle carrying 12 master cases of Cannon cigarettes in Barangay Tubod, Iligan City, on the evening of August 15.
The operation was conducted at about 8:50 p.m. along Don Celdran Avenue by personnel of the City Intelligence Unit–City Special Operations Unit, in coordination with the RID 10 Resident Agent in Iligan City and the Iligan City Police Station 4 (ICPS4).
According to police, the operating team initially received information that a white Isuzu Travis had allegedly passed through the Triton Border Control Checkpoint. Authorities immediately monitored and followed the vehicle before intercepting it along Don Celdran Avenue in Barangay Tubod.
During the inspection, authorities discovered several boxes containing Cannon cigarettes inside the vehicle. The two occupants reportedly failed to present documents that would establish the legal importation or entry of the cigarettes, including Bureau of Customs (BOC) clearance and other required documentation.
Police identified the occupants as alias “Nami,” 41, a driver and farmer, and alias “Abdul,” 26, a tricycle driver. Both were reported to be residents of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 12 master cases of Cannon cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱480,000. The Isuzu Travis allegedly used to transport the cigarettes was also taken into custody.
The two individuals were temporarily released while the appropriate proceedings are being undertaken by the Bureau of Customs. The confiscated cigarette products and the vehicle were subsequently turned over to the BOC for documentation and adjudication.
The seizure underscores the continuing enforcement efforts against the movement of cigarette products that authorities suspect may have entered or been transported in violation of customs and taxation requirements.
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation. Appropriate charges may be filed if the ongoing proceedings establish violations of existing customs and tax laws. The final disposition of the seized cigarettes, as well as any liability of the individuals involved, will depend on the findings and determination of the Bureau of Customs and other concerned authorities.
At this stage, the seized cigarettes are being described as suspected smuggled products, pending the completion of the BOC’s documentation, assessment, and adjudication process.