SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, intercepted a smuggled cigarettes worth PhP552,000.00 during a checkpoint operation at Purok 1, Brgy. Butadon, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, on July 2, 2025.
During the checkpoint, police flagged down a white Nissan Navara driven by alias “Louie,” 24 years old, single, and a resident of Brgy. Patong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Along with him were two passengers identified as a 44-year-old male, married, an active PNP member assigned in Surigao del Sur; and alias “Miko,” 22 years old, single, both residents of Surigao del Sur.
The vehicle, which originated from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and was en route to Surigao del Sur, underwent inspection upon arrival at the checkpoint. During inspection, personnel observed a suspicious cigarette pack partially protruding from a garbage bag located in the backseat.
The confiscated items were seven master cases of Champion Menthol White cigarettes (50 reams per case), six master cases of Casablanca Red cigarettes (50 reams per case), and 40 reams of Casablanca Red cigarettes. In total, 940 reams of smuggled cigarettes were seized, with an estimated market value of PhP552,000.00.
The suspect and the seized items are now under the custody of the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, for documentation and proper disposition. A case for violation of R.A No. 8293, otherwise known Intellectual Property Code, will be filed against the suspects.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the alertness and diligence of the operating units.
“PRO 10 continuously intensifies its campaign against smuggled cigarettes, especially by strengthening security at all border control points across the region. We will not allow illicit goods to circulate in our communities, and we remain committed to safeguarding public health and upholding the law,” he said.
