Law enforcement authorities arrested two individuals and confiscated approximately P880,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Lanao del Norte, the police reported on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Arrest and Seizure Details
Police Colonel Leo De Leon Sua, Lanao del Norte police director, withheld the identities of the two arrested individuals, disclosing only that they are aged 26 and 28, both residents of Purok 1, Poblacion village, Linamon municipality.
The two suspects were apprehended around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, in Samburon village, Linamon, Lanao del Norte. Sua stated that policemen conducting routine checkpoint operations in Samburon flagged down two three-wheeler rear engine vehicles, locally known as "Bao-Bao," for inspection.
"During the operation, checkpoint personnel observed several boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes in plain view at the rear portion of the vehicles," Sua reported. "Upon further inspection, the two drivers failed to present any valid documents or proof of legitimacy for the transported items," he added.
Confiscated Items
Authorities confiscated 22 master cases of cigarettes from the two vehicles, with a total market value of P880,000.
The two drivers were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and investigation. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the involved motor vehicles are currently under the custody of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
Sua commended the operating units for their vigilance and commitment in the campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities in Lanao del Norte.
