Police in Lanao del Norte arrested six individuals and seized an estimated P560,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate law enforcement operations, the police announced on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Police Colonel Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, reported that four of the six suspects were apprehended around 6:03 p.m. on Friday, July 10, in Samburon village, Linamon town. Sua identified the four arrested individuals through their aliases as Ato, 48; Ped, 31; Myr, 37; and Lyn, 41, all residents of San Miguel village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Sua said that police operatives conducted an intelligence-driven checkpoint operation when they intercepted a light commercial vehicle carrying 500 reams of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P400,000. The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle are currently under the custody of the First Provincial Mobile Force Company pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The four suspects were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation and later referred to the BOC for appropriate legal action.
Second Operation Nets Two More Suspects
In a separate operation, two other individuals were arrested around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, also in Samburon village, Linamon. Sua identified them through their aliases as Akmad, 39, of Zamboanga City, and Aljie, 24, of Parang, Sulu.
Sua said operatives were conducting a checkpoint operation when they flagged down a multi-purpose vehicle driven by Akmad for routine inspection. “During a lawful visual inspection, checkpoint personnel observed several reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle,” Sua said in his report. “A subsequent inspection further revealed additional cigarette reams concealed in customized compartments beneath the vehicle's seats,” he added.
Akmad and Aljie were arrested after they failed to present documents proving the lawful transport of the cigarettes. Seized during the operation were 200 reams of cigarettes with an estimated market value of P160,000, along with the vehicle used in transporting the contraband. The suspects were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation and subsequently referred to the BOC. The confiscated items remain in the custody of the First Provincial Mobile Force Company pending turnover to the BOC.
Police Chief Commends Vigilance
Police Colonel Sua commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and stressed the importance of sustained border security operations. “These accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office to protect our borders and prevent the entry and transport of illegal goods,” he added. He said they will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and collaborate closely with partner agencies to ensure that those who violate customs and revenue laws are held accountable.
