Police seized P7.2 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during an intelligence-driven checkpoint operation in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, on July 13.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the untaxed tobacco products were allegedly being transported for distribution in Cagayan de Oro City.
Police identified the arrested individuals as alias “Arip,” a 59-year-old driver, and alias “Amil,” a 16-year-old passenger. Both are residents of Lanao del Sur.
Acting on validated intelligence information, authorities intercepted an Isuzu dropside cargo truck traveling from Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 140 master cases of one imported cigarette variant containing 7,000 reams and 40 master cases of another imported cigarette variant containing 2,000 reams.
The cigarette products were allegedly concealed beneath a load of coconut copra.
Police estimated the combined market value of the confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle used to transport them at P7.2 million.
The arrested individuals were brought to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station for documentation.
The seized cigarettes and vehicle remained under police custody pending their turnover to the Bureau of Customs, which will conduct the appropriate proceedings and file charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The PNP said it would continue strengthening its enforcement measures against smuggling and other illegal activities.