Six individuals were arrested and approximately P4.04 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated during a law enforcement operation in Lanao del Norte early Friday, June 26, 2026, according to police reports.
Arrests and Seizure
Police Colonel Leo de Leon Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, identified the suspects by their aliases: Abdul, 22; Adrean, 26; Dul, 40; Sam, 23; Ibno, 20; and Rey. Five of them are residents of Kawit village, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, while Rey is from Dableston village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
The arrests occurred around 2 a.m. along the coast of Purok 3, Bangaan village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo. Sua reported that operatives conducting a shoreline patrol discovered an anchored motorboat. “Upon inspection, the operating personnel discovered that the motorboat was loaded with 101 cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P4,040,000,” Sua said in his report.
Origin and Custody
Initial investigation indicated that the smuggled cigarettes originated from Picong, Lanao del Sur. The arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence are temporarily held at the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station pending the filing of charges and further legal proceedings.
The Sultan Naga Dimaporo police are coordinating with the Bureau of Customs office in Iligan City for the proper turnover of the seized cigarettes.
Commendation
Police Colonel Sua commended the operating personnel for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out this significant accomplishment.
