SOURCE: RPIOPRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — Personnel from Lala Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, intercepted smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects during a COMELEC checkpoint conducted on May 11, 2025, at around 2:00 AM, along the National Highway in Purok-3, Lanipao, Lala, Lanao del Norte.
During the early morning checkpoint, police flagged down a white/brown Toyota Tamaraw Revo for routine inspection. However, the vehicle suddenly sped off in an attempt to evade the checkpoint. The rear security team responded swiftly and successfully intercepted the fleeing suspects. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers informed the driver of his violation and conducted a search incidental to a lawful arrest, discovering numerous boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes in plain view.
The arrested individuals were identified as alias “Hasan,” 29, the driver, and alias “Omar,” 21, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
Seized items included 31 master cases and 40 reams of various cigarette brands such as Modern, San Marino, Fort, New Berlin, New Far Menthol, Canon, and Champion, with an estimated market value of ₱1,272,000.00. The Toyota Revo used in transporting the items was also impounded.
The suspects are currently under the custody of Lala MPS and will face charges for Resistance and Disobedience to Persons in Authority under Article 151, Revised Penal Code, and violation of the Anti-Smuggling Law. The confiscated contraband and vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Iligan (BOC-Iligan) for proper disposition and further investigation.
PBGEN JAYSEN C. DE GUZMAN, Regional Director of PRO 10, commended the operating units for their swift and decisive action.
“This operation sends a clear message: smuggling will not be tolerated, especially when it involves harmful products like cigarettes. We remain committed to safeguarding our communities, protecting legitimate businesses, and upholding the law” he said.
