Photo courtesy of PNP
Police intercepted two vehicles carrying hundreds of master cases of undocumented cigarettes in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, and arrested four people allegedly involved in transporting the shipment.
The operation was conducted Friday in Barangay Matampay after authorities received information that tobacco products were being moved from Picong toward Maguing.
Police said they recovered 556 master cases of cigarettes from the vehicles.
The tobacco products were valued at about Php 15.29 million, while the vehicles and other seized items brought the total estimated haul to Php 18.29 million.
The four arrested individuals, aged 20 to 46, were reportedly working as drivers and helpers during the transport.
Initial examination indicated that the cigarette packs may not have complied with requirements under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, although further investigation remained underway.
“We understand that these operations affect more than just the people involved. There are legitimate businesses, consumers, and the country’s economy to consider. Kaya kailangan nating maging alerto, pero at the same time, fair and careful in carrying out our responsibilities,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.
The suspects were brought to the CIDG Lanao del Sur office for documentation and further proceedings as authorities continued evaluating possible violations linked to the shipment.