04/08/2026
₱400K WORTH OF ALLEGED SMUGGLED CI******ES INTERCEPTED AT LINAMON CHECKPOINT
CAMP GALLEGO, Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Personnel of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), intercepted an estimated ₱400,000 worth of alleged smuggled ci******es during a routine checkpoint operation in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on the morning of August 3, 2026.
At about 9:10 AM, personnel of the 1st PMFC, in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), 2nd PMFC, Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), 1005th Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 10, and Linamon Municipal Police Station (MPS), were conducting a regular checkpoint operation when they flagged down a white Toyota pickup bearing plate number ZGD 861.
The vehicle was driven by alias "Al," 27 years old, a resident of Poblacion, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, and was accompanied by a minor passenger.
During inspection, checkpoint personnel observed, in plain view, several reams of alleged smuggled ci******es placed on the rear seat of the vehicle. The driver failed to present any documents proving the lawful transport or ownership of the items and voluntarily admitted that the vehicle was carrying suspected smuggled ci******es. A subsequent inspection confirmed the presence of 500 reams of Greenhill Menthol ci******es, with an estimated market value of ₱400,000.00.
A Barangay Kagawad was immediately requested to witness the seizure and inventory of the confiscated items in accordance with established procedures.
The following items were confiscated:
a. One (1) white Toyota Pickup bearing plate number ZGD 861;
b. One (1) ignition key of the said vehicle; and
c. Five hundred (500) reams of alleged smuggled Greenhill Menthol ci******es.
Following the inventory, the driver and the minor passenger were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation, processing, and proper disposition. The case was subsequently referred to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate action.
The confiscated vehicle and alleged smuggled ci******es are currently under the custody of the 1st PMFC, LDN PPO, pending their formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
PCOL LEO DE LEON SUA, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and reaffirmed the LDN PPO's commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations.
"The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office remains steadfast in supporting the government's campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage. We will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to protect legitimate trade, safeguard government revenues, and uphold the rule of law," he said.
The LDN PPO continues to encourage the public to report suspicious activities involving smuggling and other illegal activities to the nearest police station as part of the collective effort to maintain peace, order, and economic security in the province. # # #
Source: PPIO, LDN PPO
