SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, successfully intercepted and confiscated smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation conducted on April 6, 2025, in Purok 1, Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
At around 6:00 AM, a Mitsubishi Versa Van driven by alias “Alan,” 23 years old, a student and resident of Santa Catalina, Zamboanga City, with passengers identified as alias “Alden,” 31 years old, and alias “Aljun,” 28 years old, was flagged down for a random inspection while en route from Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) to Kapatagan.
During a plain view inspection, an alleged smuggled cigarettes appeared to be partially exposed from under a tarpaulin cover in the vehicle’s back seat. Confiscated from the vehicle were 18 sacks of Astro White cigarettes and two sacks of New Berlin Red cigarettes, each sack containing 50 reams. In total, 1,000 reams of smuggled cigarettes were seized, with an estimated market value of PhP800,000.00.
The arrested individuals and confiscated items were brought to Kapatagan Municipal Police Station, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, for proper documentation. A case for violation of R.A. No. 10643, otherwise known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, will be filed before the Office of the Prosecutor in Lanao del Norte. Further, the vehicle and smuggled cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the operating team for their diligence and vigilance in countering illegal trade.
“I commend our personnel for their efforts and dedication in carrying out this successful operation. Let this serve as a warning to those who persist in illegal activities—your actions will not go unnoticed. PRO10, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to uphold the law and protect our communities,” he said.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities to the nearest police station.
