PANTAR, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted 200 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱160,000 during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte, on Friday afternoon, October 30.
The operation was conducted at around 4 p.m. at the Pantar Roadblock and Checkpoint (RBCP) by personnel of the 1005th Maneuver Company, supported by intelligence operatives from BNHQ and the 1001st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB-10), as well as personnel from the Pantar Municipal Police Station, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, and Regional Intelligence Division 10.
Authorities said they flagged down a gray Mitsubishi L-200 pickup truck traveling from Marawi City toward Iligan City. The vehicle was being driven by a 49-year-old man identified only as “Nior,” accompanied by a 28-year-old passenger identified as “Noy.” Both are married and residents of Lanao del Sur.
During the inspection, operating personnel reportedly noticed several reams of cigarettes in plain view through an open window, with additional boxes and cigarette products stacked behind the driver’s seat.
The driver was subsequently asked to present documents establishing the legality of the cigarettes’ possession and transport. However, authorities said he failed to produce the required documents.
This led to the apprehension of the two occupants and the recovery of 200 reams of cigarettes allegedly being transported without the required government health warning stickers.
Based on the valuation provided by the Bureau of Customs, the seized cigarette products have an estimated market value of ₱160,000.
The two individuals were brought to the Pantar Municipal Police Station for documentation and other appropriate procedures. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the Mitsubishi pickup truck were placed under the custody of the 1005th Maneuver Company pending their turnover to the Bureau of Customs’ office in Iligan City for proper disposition.
PCOL Poble[o] Mariano P. Magistrado V, Force Commander, said the operation highlighted the importance of sustained coordination among law enforcement and intelligence units in intercepting suspected contraband.
“The successful recovery of these smuggled cigarettes shows the value of vigilance and coordinated law enforcement efforts, and we will continue to strengthen these measures within our area of responsibility,” Magistrado said.
The operation forms part of continuing efforts by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to curb the movement and distribution of illicit goods.
Police said the campaign is being carried out in line with directives from PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., regional director of Police Regional Office 10, and the national law enforcement priorities of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police.
Authorities have yet to announce whether additional charges will be filed against the two individuals as investigations and the proper disposition of the confiscated goods continue.