LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Police authorities intercepted an estimated ₱596,000 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, late Friday night, September 18, 2026, resulting in the arrest of a 33-year-old driver who was allegedly transporting the illicit goods to Iligan City.
The operation was carried out by the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) through the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station, 1005th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, and the Linamon Municipal Police Station.
Police said the interception took place at around 11:50 p.m. during a regular checkpoint conducted by PRO 10 personnel at the 3rd Platoon area in Barangay Samburon, Linamon.
Authorities flagged down a maroon Toyota SUV and discovered that it was loaded with large quantities of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled.
The driver, identified only by the alias “Aladin,” 33, married, and a resident of Barangay Cormatan, Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte, was arrested and brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Police recovered a total of 745 reams of cigarettes, consisting of:
- 250 reams of Green Cannon Menthol
- 495 reams of Red Modern
The seized cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱596,000. Authorities also took custody of the Toyota SUV allegedly used to transport the products.
According to the police, the cigarette packs were concealed inside Maranao tube cloth, while portions of the shipment were visibly wrapped in transparent cellophane.
Shipment reportedly bound for Iligan City
Initial police information indicated that the cigarettes originated from Munai, Lanao del Norte, and were allegedly being transported to Iligan City, where the Diyandi Festival is currently being held.
Authorities said the intended destination was reportedly the Mugna area, where the cigarettes were allegedly supposed to be sold.
Police further reported that the driver admitted knowing that the cigarettes were allegedly smuggled.
According to the initial account, he allegedly purchased the cigarettes from an individual known to him. The same person reportedly loaded the items into the vehicle before the driver proceeded toward Iligan City, allegedly intending to sell the cigarettes for profit.
The circumstances surrounding the source of the cigarettes and the identity of the person who allegedly supplied them remain subject to further investigation.
Cigarettes turned over for appropriate action
Following the operation, the arrested driver was taken to the Linamon MPS for documentation and appropriate legal disposition.
The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle were placed under the temporary custody of the 1st PMFC in Lanao del Norte pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which is expected to undertake the appropriate proceedings concerning the seized goods.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the specific criminal or customs charges that may be filed, as the case remains subject to documentation, verification, and further investigation.
PRO 10 vows continued anti-smuggling operations
PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr., Regional Director of PRO 10, commended the police personnel involved in the operation for their alertness and swift response.
Babagay emphasized that sustained checkpoint operations and coordination among police units are critical in disrupting the movement of illicit goods through Northern Mindanao.
“This successful interception demonstrates the importance of sustained police visibility and close coordination among our units in preventing the transport of smuggled goods,” Babagay said.
He added that PRO 10 would continue strengthening its anti-smuggling efforts to prevent illegal commodities from reaching communities.
The operation also underscores the role of routine checkpoints in intercepting shipments allegedly moving through provincial roads and connecting municipalities, particularly when multiple police units coordinate intelligence, enforcement and roadside security operations.
The seized shipment will remain under authorities’ custody pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs and the completion of the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings.