Lanao del Norte police seize P7.6-M smuggled cigarettes

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The police seized P7.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested an individual in an operation in Lanao del Norte province early Sunday.

Col. Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, identified the arrested individual as alias “Ab,” 37, of Barangay Claro M. Recto, Maigo town.

“The suspect was arrested shortly before 1 a.m. in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte,” Sua said in a statement.

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READ: P2.1-M smuggled cigarettes left in Lanao del Sur highway

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He said operatives launched the checkpoint after receiving an intelligence report on the transport of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Libertad.

He said the team flagged down a white wing van after observing that the driver was not wearing seat belt.

However, instead of complying, the driver attempted to breach the checkpoint, but was immediately intercepted and safely blocked by the operating personnel.

“Upon verification, the vehicle matched the description provided in the intelligence report,” Sua said.

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A subsequent inspection revealed that the vehicle was carrying 190 master cases of undocumented cigarettes.

The driver was brought to the Kolambugan Police Station for documentation, while the confiscated vehicle and contraband remain with the Lanao del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit until turnover to the Bureau of Customs.

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Sua commended the operating teams for the successful operation and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to supporting the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling.

“Smuggling not only deprives the government of much-needed revenues but also undermines legitimate businesses and the country’s economic security,” he said.

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