Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police (PNP)/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Maguindanao del Norte intercepted a truck carrying nearly PHP 4 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint in Barangay Pinantao, Parang, on Tuesday.
Joint teams from the PNP, Parang Municipal Police, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) flagged a white Isuzu wing van, discovering cigarettes hidden in the walls and floor compartments.
Two men, aged 42 and 48, were arrested after failing to present documents proving the cargo’s legality. The vehicle and the seized goods were taken into custody.
Authorities inventoried 4,582 reams of cigarettes in the presence of a barangay official and customs representatives. The items are now pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs and filing of charges.
PNP Acting Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the use of intelligence-driven policing to prevent smuggling and other crimes affecting public revenue and safety.
The arrested suspects will face charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other applicable laws.
Nartatez added that the PNP remains committed to lawful enforcement, following directives to ensure peace, public trust, and accountability across communities.
