Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte — Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Lanao del Norte apprehended a 38-year-old woman on December 2, 2024, for allegedly smuggling cigarettes. The arrest took place during a routine checkpoint operation at Purok 1, Bansarvil-1, Kapatagan.
Authorities flagged down a black tricycle (Plate No. P781JB) after noticing it was loaded with suspiciously packed sacks and transparent plastic cellophane. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to contain 250 reams of New Far Red cigarettes, with an estimated market value of PhP200,000.
The driver, identified only as “Boy,” a 29-year-old resident, claimed he was hired for PhP500.00 to deliver the goods. He identified the passenger, alias “Maam Fe,” as the owner of the contraband. “Maam Fe,” a resident of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, admitted to owning the cigarettes and surrendered peacefully to the authorities. The tricycle was reportedly en route from Sultan Naga Dimaporo to Kapatagan when it was intercepted.
The confiscated items and the suspect are now in the custody of the 2nd PMFC Headquarters. Authorities stated that the suspect may face charges for violating Section 10 of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Presidential Decree No. 1464, the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. The smuggled goods will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper handling and disposition.
Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) Regional Director, PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, lauded the 2nd PMFC for their swift and efficient actions.
“This successful operation reflects our unwavering commitment to curbing smuggling activities in Northern Mindanao. Let this serve as a reminder to those involved in illicit trade that PRO10 is steadfast in enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and security of the region,” PBGEN De Guzman said in a statement.
PRO10 continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or through their hotline numbers.