Police inspect boxes of allegedly smuggled cigarettes recovered in separate operations in Maguindanao del Norte, Iligan City and Misamis Oriental from Sept. 1 to 2. Seven people were arrested while more than Php 21.5 million worth of cigarette products were seized and later turned over to the Bureau of Customs. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
Police confiscated more than Php 21.5 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven people in separate operations across Mindanao from Sept. 1 to early Sept. 2.
The largest haul came from Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, where officers stopped a vehicle at a checkpoint at around 11:40 a.m. on Sept. 1. Authorities found 250 master cases of cigarettes valued at about Php 14 million and arrested two men, aged 32 and 39.
Hours later, another checkpoint operation in Iligan City yielded 2,082 reams of cigarettes estimated to be worth Php 1.67 million. Four men between the ages of 20 and 37 were taken into custody.
Police also secured two vans allegedly used to transport the Iligan shipment as part of the investigation.
The third interception took place in Opol, Misamis Oriental, at around 2 a.m. on Sept. 2. Police arrested a 28-year-old man and recovered 117 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated value of Php 5.85 million.
Combined, the three operations resulted in seven arrests and the recovery of cigarette products valued at approximately Php 21.52 million.
The seized products were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for documentation, safekeeping and proper disposition. The arrested individuals were placed under appropriate procedures while authorities pursued the corresponding cases.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies would continue as authorities sought to disrupt the movement of illicit shipments into local markets.
The arrests and seizures remain subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.
