PNP seizes nearly P4M smuggled cigarettes in Maguindanao del Norte

What began as a routine checkpoint turned into a major blow against smuggling when police uncovered a truckload of concealed illegal cargo in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, PNP Acting Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reported Wednesday.

He said at around 11:30 a.m. on 20 January 2026, at the 2nd MP, 1401st RMFC, RMFB 14A Pinantao Detachment in Brgy. Pinantao, Parang, joint personnel from the 1401st RMFC, RMFB 14-A, and Parang Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division Police Regional Office BARMM and the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port of Parang, flagged down a white Isuzu wing van truck that was later found to be loaded with illicit goods.

Upon thorough inspection, authorities discovered a large volume of branded cigarettes deliberately concealed inside the walls and floor compartments of the vehicle. The driver failed to present any document proving the legality of the cargo, prompting the arrest of two Filipino male suspects, aged 42 and 48.

An initial inventory showed a total of 4,582 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P3,920,725.76. The inventory was conducted in the presence of a barangay official, a PRO BAR Legal Service representative, and the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port of Parang through video conference.

The seized cigarettes, along with the vehicle used in transport, were taken into custody and are now under the care of the Parang MPS pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs and the filing of appropriate cases.

Nartatez said the PNP continues to sharpen intelligence-driven operations under its Focused Agenda — a strategic framework designed to make police service more responsive and credible to the public.

"This operation shows that when we stay focused on intelligence and field presence, we can disrupt criminal activities that harm our economy and our people. Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang mga hakbang para mapigilan ang ganitong uri ng ilegal na gawain at mapanagot ang mga sangkot,” Nartatez said.

“Smuggling is not a victimless crime — it deprives the government of revenue and fuels other illegal activities. Malinaw ang mensahe natin: walang puwang ang mga naglalakas-loob na lumabag sa batas, at hindi titigil ang kapulisan sa pagtupad ng tungkulin nito,” he added.

Appropriate criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other applicable laws are now being prepared, while the suspects, the confiscated cigarettes, and the vehicle remain in police custody.