Seatbelt stop leads to P7.2-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes bust in Lanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — What started as a routine traffic stop for a seatbelt violation led police to unearth P7.2 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes concealed under tons of copra in Lanao del Norte on Monday.

Maj. Joann Navarro, Police Regional Office-10 spokesperson, said police officers flagged down the Isuzu cargo truck at a regional border control point in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan town, at around 9:30 a.m. because the occupants were not wearing seat belts.

Noticing the occupants’ evasive behavior during the stop, police initiated further questioning until the 59-year-old driver, identified by the alias “Arip,” voluntarily disclosed the contraband.

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READ: Cops bust cigarette smuggling ring in Lanao del Norte

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During the search, police found 140 master cases of red Modern cigarettes and 40 master cases of green Cannon cigarettes hidden beneath the copra.

Authorities immediately took Arip and his 16-year-old passenger, alias “Amil,” both residents of Lanao del Sur, into custody.

Navarro pointed out that smugglers frequently utilize ordinary cargo, such as copra, as seen in this case, to conceal illegal goods and avoid detection.

“This is why our personnel at border checkpoints remain alert and rely on intelligence information to identify suspicious shipments,” Navarro told the Inquirer.

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The vehicle was traveling from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, to Cagayan de Oro City.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, PRO-10 director, commended the troops for the successful interception and issued a stern warning to economic saboteurs using Northern Mindanao for illegal trade.

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“Our forces are united, vigilant, and will continue to crack down on your operations,” Abrahano said.

The suspects and the confiscated items remain under police custody pending a formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs.

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They will face charges for violating Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act./coa