Lawmen arrested an individual and seized a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at P400,000 in Lanao del Norte, police reported on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Arrest and Seizure Details
Police Colonel Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, identified the arrested individual as alias Ardo, 26, a resident of Sta. Barbara village, Zamboanga City. Sua stated that Ardo was arrested around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, in Samburon village, Linamon, Lanao del Norte.
According to Sua, Ardo was apprehended when police operatives flagged down a pickup truck during a checkpoint operation in Samburon village. “Upon inspection, the checkpoint personnel observed, in plain view, several master cases of cigarettes loaded on the vehicle's rear seats,” Sua said in his report. He added that Ardo failed to present any valid documents proving the lawful transport and ownership of the items.
Confiscated Items and Estimated Value
Seized from the pickup truck were 10 master cases of cigarettes, containing a total of 500 reams, with an estimated market value of P400,000. The undocumented cigarettes originated from Sta. Barbara village, Zamboanga City and were being transported to Iligan City.
The confiscated vehicle and smuggled cigarettes remain under the custody of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company pending their formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Ardo was taken to Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, processing, and profiling before being referred to the BOC.
Police Commendation
Sua commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and professionalism, which resulted in the confiscation of the smuggled cigarettes. (SunStar Zamboanga)
