Police operatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region have arrested three individuals and seized approximately P4.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Lanao del Sur, an official confirmed on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Checkpoint Operation Leads to Seizure
Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (Pro-BAR), said the contraband was intercepted around 2:38 a.m. along the highway in Matling village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur. The operatives were conducting a checkpoint when they arrested the suspects and discovered the smuggled cigarettes.
According to Abecia's report, the suspects were traveling in three vehicles from Barangay Picong heading toward Marawi City. When the vehicles approached the checkpoint, law enforcement personnel inspected them and found large quantities of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Seized Items and Legal Proceedings
Authorities confiscated 5,500 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P4.4 million. The seized cigarettes are currently under the custody of the Malabang Municipal Police Station for documentation and inventory procedures. They will later be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
The three arrested individuals remain in police custody while charges are being prepared against them. Abecia commended the operating units for their successful law enforcement operation.
Joint Operation by Multiple Units
The operation was jointly conducted by personnel from the Malabang Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the 101st Infantry Brigade. Abecia praised the vigilance, coordination, and professionalism of the personnel and partner units whose collective efforts led to the interception of the alleged smuggled goods.
