CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — Personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Iligan City Police Office, in coordination with Police Station 2–ICPO, intercepted smuggled cigarettes in Iligan City during a mobile patrol operation at Overton, Brgy. Maria Cristina, on July 2, 2025.
While implementing the City Ordinance Against Illegal Terminals, Colorum Motor Vehicle Operation, and Road Clearing Operations, the Traffic Enforcement Unit noticed two vans suspiciously stopping and attempting to evade the mobile patrol unit, prompting officers to conduct an inspection.
Upon inspecting the first van (Nissan), authorities discovered several boxes and a transparent plastic bag containing multiple reams of “President” brand red cigarettes. A similar inspection of the second van (Toyota Hi-Ace) revealed identical contents boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes. Both drivers failed to present valid driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, or any legal documentation for the transported goods.
This resulted in the arrest of four suspects, identified as alias “Puding,” 42 years old, married, driver of the Nissan van and a resident of Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte; alias “Asoy,” 17 years old, single; alias “Mohnie,” 24 years old, married, driver of the Toyota Hi-Ace van; and alias “Allie,” 27 years old, single, jobless. Three of the suspects are residents of Lanao del Sur.
The two vans, reportedly carrying the smuggled cigarettes, came from Baloi, Lanao del Norte, and were bound for distribution in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.
Confiscated items included 119 master cases of Red President cigarettes, a transparent plastic bag containing 50 reams of the same brand, and the two vehicles used to transport the contraband a white Nissan van and a white Toyota Hi-Ace van with a total estimated market value of PhP4,800,000.00.
The seized items are now under the custody of the Traffic Enforcement Unit and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. Meanwhile, the apprehended individuals were released pending the filing of criminal charges through regular proceedings for violations of RA 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016) and RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the operating unit for a job well done.
“PRO10, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to intensify its operations to safeguard our communities from illicit goods. I call on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he said.
