MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — Police recovered 72 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱3.03 million after unidentified individuals allegedly abandoned several packages along a roadside in Barangay Tacub Pindolonan, Marantao, on November 7.
Personnel of the Marantao Municipal Police Station responded to information about suspicious individuals aboard three vehicles who were reportedly seen leaving several packages in the area before departing.
Upon reaching the location, responding police officers inspected the abandoned packages and discovered 72 master cases of suspected illegally transported cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱3,031,100.
The individuals reportedly involved in the incident had already left before police arrived. No arrests were reported in connection with the recovery.
The confiscated tobacco products were placed under police custody for documentation and proper disposition as authorities work to establish who owned the cigarettes, where they originated, and where they were supposed to be delivered.
The recovery represents one of two anti-smuggling operations conducted by police in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur on November 6 and 7, respectively. Combined, the operations resulted in the confiscation of 84 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of ₱3,562,408 and the arrest of two individuals in the Maguindanao del Norte operation.
The Philippine National Police said the operations reflect its continuing efforts to prevent the illegal movement and distribution of contraband products, which can deprive the government of tax revenues and place legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.
The PNP emphasized that sustained police visibility, intelligence gathering, and coordinated enforcement remain important in identifying and disrupting smuggling activities, particularly in areas that may serve as transit routes for illegally transported goods.
Authorities have yet to announce whether further operations or arrests are expected following the recovery in Marantao.