Some P920,000-worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes were confiscated during two separate checkpoint operations conducted in Region 10, particularly in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental on the night of 5 July 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), the first batch of smuggled cigarettes that was intercepted by the police was at a checkpoint at Brgy. Samburon in the town of Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

Personnel from the 1st PMFC, LDNPPO, in coordination with the Lanao del Norte MARPSTA, 2nd PMFC LDNPPO, PIU LDN, 1005th RMFB 10, CIDG LDN, Regional Intelligence Division 10, and Linamon Municipal Police Station confiscated the said illicit items.

During the checkpoint operation, a silver Mitsubishi pickup was flagged down for inspection. During verification, the manning personnel observed in plain view alleged smuggled cigarettes placed on the vehicle's back seat. A subsequent inspection revealed that the driver failed to present any valid documents covering the cargo.

Authorities confiscated 10 master cases containing 500 reams of Fort cigarettes, with an estimated market value of P400,000.00, along with the vehicle used to transport the items.

Accordingly, said cigarettes allegedly belonged to his friend and were being transported from Santa Barbara, Zamboanga City, to Iligan City.

The driver and his passenger were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and profiling before being referred to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate action. The confiscated items and vehicle remain under the custody of the 1st PMFC, Lanao del Norte, pending turnover to the BOC.

In a separate operation conducted at about 11:20 PM at Purok 1, Brgy. Digson in the town of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, personnel of the Bonifacio Municipal Police Station successfully intercepted another shipment of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation.

Authorities apprehended a 51-year-old male who was onboard a Nissan Navara. The inspection resulted in the confiscation of 650 reams of Red New Berlin cigarettes with an estimated value of P520,000.00.

The apprehended individual and the confiscated items were brought to the Bonifacio Municipal Police Station and will be turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Ozamiz City, for proper disposition.

PBGEN CHRISTOPHER N ABRAHANO, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the operating units for their vigilance and reiterated the PNP’s commitment to supporting government efforts against smuggling.

“These successful checkpoint operations demonstrate the effectiveness of our intensified border control and law enforcement initiatives. PRO10 remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing the transport of smuggled goods that deprive the government of lawful revenues and undermine legitimate businesses,” he said.

PRO10 encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the transport or storage of smuggled goods, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and economic security throughout Northern Mindanao.