NATION

Fake ambulance carrying smuggled cigarettes intercepted

Cheng Ordoñez · Sep 29, 2026, 10:49 PM

POLICE officers inspect master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at P1.08 million following a highway checkpoint operation in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, on Tuesday. — Photograph courtesy of PNP Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office/facebook

KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Police intercepted a fake patient transport vehicle carrying an estimated P1.08 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at a roadside checkpoint in Lanao del Norte early Tuesday.

Officers from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company flagged down the Toyota HiAce ambulance along a highway in Barangay Bansarvil 1 as it traveled from Sultan Naga Dimaporo toward Kapatagan.

Upon inspection, police discovered 27 master cases of untaxed cigarettes — including 22 cases of the New Far Red brand — stacked inside the cabin. Authorities said the vehicle contained no medical equipment or supplies.

Police arrested the 31-year-old driver and a 19-year-old passenger, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, and detained them at the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station.

“We will not let up on our anti-smuggling and anti-illegal trade campaign,” said Police Regional Office 10 director Brig. Gen. Nestor C. Babagay Jr. “We call on the public to report suspicious movements immediately —your vigilance is our strongest defense.”

The seized vehicle and contraband remain in police custody pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper inventory and the filing of criminal charges related to illegal trade and tax evasion.