Cops bust cigarette smuggling ring in Lanao del Norte

MILLION-PESO HAUL. Stacks of seized cigarettes line the dock in Sultan Naga Dimaporo following a joint shoreline patrol operation that led to the arrest of six individuals. Photo courtesy of PRO-10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities on Friday, June 26, seized over P4 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes and arrested six individuals in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte.

Operatives from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) and other supporting units intercepted a blue motorized boat named “Likom” anchored off the shores of Bangaan village at around 2 a.m. Friday.

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READ: Illegal cigarettes worth P860M seized in Cebu — BOC

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On board the vessel, police found 101 cases of Platinum brand cigarettes with an estimated market value of P4.04 million.

Police arrested the six men on board, identified by their aliases “Dul-dul,” the boat operator, and “Abu,” “Drei,” “Sam,” and “Nonoy,” all residents of Pagadian City; and “Rey,” a resident of Sultan Naga Dimaporo who reportedly served as a laborer.

“Based on the statements of the arrested individuals during the initial investigation, the confiscated cigarettes were allegedly transported from Picong, Lanao del Sur, and were intended for distribution in Pagadian City, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and Ozamiz City,” said Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson.

The suspects are currently detained at the Sultan Naga Dimaporo municipal police station and face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

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The PNP Maritime Group took temporary custody of the vessel, while the seized contraband was secured by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, PRO-10 director , commended the joint forces, saying the successful operation demonstrates the region’s commitment to protecting coastal borders from smuggling. /jpv

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