P1.1-M smuggled cigarettes recovered in Lanao del Norte banana plantation
BUTUAN CITY – Police recovered smuggled cigarettes worth more than P1.1 million abandoned in a banana plantation in Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Lanao del Norte, on Monday, Sept. 22.
“Our operating combined team recovered the contraband about five meters away from the national highway under a banana plantation, and due to heavy rainfall and the critical condition of the area, the seized items were immediately transported to the barangay hall in SND town for safekeeping and inventory,” Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office (PRO 10-RPIO) chief Police Major Joan G. Navarro said.
A total of 28 master cases and 84 reams of assorted cigarettes with an estimated market value of P1.1 million were found.
After inventory, the contraband, covered by tarpaulin, was brought to the SND police station for documentation and proper disposition.
Police are investigating the origin and owner of the smuggled cigarettes.
PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon lauded the quick police response and the cooperation of the community.
“This successful seizure demonstrates the importance of community partnership in our campaign against smuggling,” he said.
“We commend the concerned citizen who immediately reported the presence of these illegal goods.”