Police authorities have arrested two individuals and confiscated approximately P4.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an intelligence-driven operation in Lanao del Norte, an official confirmed on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Arrest and Seizure
Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao, identified the suspects through their aliases as Jomil, 25, and Argas, 35, both residents of Sulu province. The arrests occurred early Thursday, April 23, in Purok 3, Koreo village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
According to Abrahano, the operation was launched following a tip from a confidential informant about a motorized banca allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes and heading to dock along the shoreline of the barangay. Joint operatives promptly proceeded to the area to verify the report, where they observed two individuals actively unloading boxes from the vessel.
“Upon being confronted, the individuals failed to present any pertinent legal documents for the transported goods, resulting in their immediate apprehension,” Abrahano stated in his report.
Investigation Details
Further investigation revealed that the two suspects had departed from Jolo, Sulu on Wednesday night, April 22, with Koreo village in Sultan Naga Dimaporo as their intended destination. Seized during the operation were a total of 111 master cases of assorted cigarettes, with an estimated market value of P4.4 million based on the valuation of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The arrested suspects were brought to the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station, while the confiscated smuggled cigarettes will be turned over to the BOC-Iligan City. The suspects will be charged with violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
