CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P17 million in two separate operations conducted on January 19, 2025, in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon.
At around 3:21 AM, personnel from the 1005th Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS), flagged down a blue Isuzu Canter truck based on intelligence from a reliable informant. The vehicle, suspected of transporting contraband from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, was found to contain smuggled cigarettes during the inspection.
The driver was identified as alias “Raffy”, a 21-year-old resident of Brgy. Tangcal, Tugaya, Lanao del Sur.
Confiscated items include 82 Master Cases of Canon Cigarettes, 31 Master Cases of Champion Cigarettes, 590 Reams of Canon Cigarettes, 120 Reams of Champion Cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of PhP5,088,000.00.
The suspect is now under the custody of Pantar MPS for proper documentation and filing of charges for violations of R.A. 10643 (Government Health Warning Law) and R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code).
The confiscated contraband and the vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City for further investigation and proper disposition.
Later at 2:20 PM, personnel from Dangcagan Municipal Police Station (MPS) conducted a checkpoint in Purok 1, Brgy. Lourdes, Dangcagan, Bukidnon, resulting in the apprehension of two individuals identified by their aliases as “Chris”, 26 years old resident of Zamboanga Sibugay, and “Ian”, 36 years old, resident of Zamboanga City.
While conducting checkpoint, police flagged down a truck loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes without pertinent documents.
Accordingly, the contraband originated from SND, Lanao del Norte, and was en route to Cagayan de Oro City.
Seized items were 300 Boxes of Cannon Menthol Cigarettes, one Aluminum Wing Van Truck, with a total estimated market value of PhP12,000,000.00.
All Confiscated items will be properly turned over to BOC for proper disposition.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the dedication of the operating units and emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating illegal activities.
“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities in Northern Mindanao. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to help us combat smuggling and other crimes,” he said.
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
