Photo courtesy of PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized around Php 7.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during an intelligence-driven checkpoint operation in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, on July 13.
The operation was carried out by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, with support from other units of Police Regional Office 10, at the Regional Border Control Point in Barangay Libertad.
Police intercepted an Isuzu dropside cargo truck traveling from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, after receiving validated intelligence information. The vehicle was found carrying imported cigarettes concealed beneath a load of coconut copra.
Recovered during the inspection were 140 master cases containing 7,000 reams of one imported cigarette variant and 40 master cases containing 2,000 reams of another brand.
Authorities arrested aliases “Arip,” 59, the driver, and “Amil,” 16, a passenger. Both suspects, who were residents of Lanao del Sur, were brought to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station for documentation.
The seized cigarettes and the vehicle used in transport remained under police custody pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs, which will conduct further proceedings and determine possible charges under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the operation highlighted the role of intelligence-driven enforcement in stopping illegal trade and protecting legitimate businesses from the effects of smuggling.
The PNP said the operation was part of its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which aims to strengthen coordinated police actions against smuggling and other organized criminal activities.
