₱4.8-M Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes Seized by Traffic Enforcers in Iligan City

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Iligan City, Philippines — A routine mobile patrol led to the interception of an estimated ₱4.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City on Tuesday, July 2, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Traffic enforcers from the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), in coordination with Police Station 2, uncovered the contraband during an operation targeting illegal transport terminals, unauthorized vehicles, and road obstructions. Officers became suspicious of two white vans spotted maneuvering evasively in the Overton area, prompting them to conduct a thorough inspection.

Inside the first vehicle, a white Nissan van, authorities discovered numerous boxes and a transparent bag containing multiple reams of President-brand red cigarettes. A subsequent search of the second vehicle, a Toyota Hi-Ace, revealed identical smuggled items. Both drivers failed to present valid licenses, vehicle documents, or any papers proving legal transport of the goods.

Police took four individuals into custody. Identified only by their aliases, they include “Puding,” 42, driver of the Nissan van and resident of Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte; “Mohnie,” 24, driver of the Toyota van; “Asoy,” 17; and “Allie,” 27, reportedly unemployed. Three of the four suspects are from Lanao del Sur.

Investigators said the vans came from Baloi, Lanao del Norte, and were bound for Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City to distribute the smuggled cigarettes.

A total of 119 master cases and 50 reams of Red President cigarettes were seized, along with the two transport vehicles. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is now in possession of the confiscated goods and will undertake further legal action.

The suspects have since been released while authorities prepare to file charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, commended the traffic enforcers for their vigilance and commitment.

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