23/05/2026
PHP 600K WORTH OF ALLEGED SMUGGLED CI******ES SEIZED IN CHECKPOINT OPERATION IN KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE
Camp Gallego, Tubod, Lanao del Norte — Personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), confiscated approximately ₱600,000 worth of alleged smuggled ci******es during a checkpoint operation conducted in the early hours of May 23, 2026, at Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil-1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
At around 12:30 A.M., while implementing a routine checkpoint as part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified anti-criminality campaign, operating personnel flagged down a Honda CR-V, metallic silver in color, bearing Plate No. L*Z 982, which was travelling from SND, Lanao del Norte toward Kapatagan.
The vehicle was driven by alias “Ray,” 30 years old, married, and a resident of Zone 1, Tigoma, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, accompanied by a truckman identified as alias “Kai,” 23 years old, single, and a resident of Adjid, Indanan, Sulu.
During the routine inspection and verification of the vehicle, duty personnel observed several master cases of ci******es inside the passenger seat area and cargo compartment. The cigarette products were suspected to be smuggled due to the occupants’ failure to present the necessary transport and supporting documents.
Following the discovery, operating personnel immediately secured the vehicle and coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper verification and disposition. A barangay official was likewise requested to witness the conduct of the physical inventory at the place of operation to ensure transparency and compliance with established procedures.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 750 reams of alleged smuggled ci******es with an estimated market value of ₱600,000.00, based on the Bureau of Customs valuation of ₱800.00 per ream.
Subsequently, the driver and truckman were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and appropriate disposition. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarette products and the vehicle used in transporting them were placed under the custody of the 2nd PMFC, LDN PPO pending formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
PCOL LEO DE LEON SUA, Provincial Director, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement operations against illegal trade activities.
“This successful interdiction demonstrates the effectiveness of our checkpoint operations in preventing the movement of contraband and other illegal goods within the province. Smuggling not only deprives the government of lawful revenues but also undermines legitimate businesses and economic stability. We remain steadfast in our commitment to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen our partnership with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies to combat all forms of illegal trade. We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may threaten peace, order, and economic security in our communities,”he said.
The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office reiterates its commitment to supporting the government's campaign against smuggling and other unlawful activities through sustained police visibility, checkpoint operations, and close coordination with partner agencies. # # #
Source: PIO, LDN PPO
