CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police seized smuggled cigarettes valued at P7.92 million in a checkpoint in Damulog town, Bukidnon province on Monday afternoon, Jan. 20.

“Our ground troops were implementing the Commission on Elections gun ban when they intercepted the smuggled cigarettes,” Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro said.

Authorities flagged down a truck and the driver, June, 35, and his helper, Ron, 22, both from Pagadian City, failed to present the necessary documents for their cargo.

“The truck was searched, and in plain view, master cases of smuggled cigarettes without health warning stickers were discovered,” Navarro said.

Recovered were 35 master cases of White Delta Menthol, 19 master cases of Modern cigarettes, 125 master cases of Delta Red, and 19 master cases of Cannon Menthol.

The contraband that originated from Pagadian City and enroute to Maramag, Bukidnon has an estimated market value of P7.9 million based on the price per case provided by the Bureau of Customs.

Navarro said the driver and his helper were brought to the Damulog MPS and contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.

PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman commended operating units for their achievement. He emphasized their commitment to eradicating smuggling and other illegal activities in Northern Mindanao or Region 10.

“I laud the vigilance of our personnel in ensuring that no illicit cargo slips past our checkpoints,” he said. “Let this be a warning to those engaged in smuggling activities – we will continue to enforce the law and protect the welfare of our communities.”

De Guzman called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the PRO-10 hotline.