P1-M Smuggled Cigarettes Seized in Northern Mindanao in 48 Hours

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities seized an estimated P1 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in Northern Mindanao in three separate operations within a span of 48 hours. On Wednesday morning, a routine checkpoint in Barangay Digson, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental led to the seizure of at least P321,600 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes from two men on board a Toyota Vios. Operating personnel noticed packs of cigarettes inside the car, prompting the driver to admit they were transporting contraband. The suspects, identified as “Ray,” 37, and “Ayan,” 24, were traveling from Zamboanga City to Valencia City, Bukidnon, and were immediately arrested after failing to present necessary documents. Seized from them were 402 reams of undocumented cigarettes. At 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, police pulled over an orange Suzuki minivan — also bound for Valencia City, but originating from Zamboanga Sibugay — in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte and discovered a customized hidden compartment beneath the vehicle’s floorboards. Authorities arrested the driver, 32-year-old “Arion,” and 27-year-old “Limar,” seizing 250 reams of Commando White cigarettes worth P200,000. Earlier at 12:25 a.m., responding officers busted a smuggling attempt in a dark, vegetated area of Barangay Bauyan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, police arrived to find individuals unloading boxes from a pickup truck. The suspects abandoned their cargo and fled toward Picong, Lanao del Sur, leaving behind 600 reams of New Berlin Red and Fort White cigarettes worth P480,000. In total, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) confiscated P1,001,600 worth of smuggled cigarettes and apprehended four individuals in two days. Police Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson, told the Inquirer the suspects are currently in the custody of the Bonifacio and Linamon municipal police stations and face charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863). “The confiscated contraband has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Ozamiz City for disposition,” Navarro said. Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, PRO-10 regional director, commended the units involved for their sustained vigilance. “We will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, intensify checkpoint activities, and hold accountable those engaged in smuggling to safeguard the region and uphold the law,” Abrahano said./coa