BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office-10 confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at P15.2 million in an abandoned house in Barangay Piraka, Sultan Naga Dimaporo town, Lanao del Norte province, on Wednesday, March 26.
A confidential informant reported the presence of the contraband in the house.
Lawmen arrived and discovered a large stash of cigarettes inside – 190 boxes of New Aris (red) and 191 boxes of King Perfect cigarettes.
PRO 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joanne G. Navarro said these were taken to the Sultan Naga Dimaporo MPS for proper documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for appropriate disposition.
PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman cited operating units for a successful operation.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of PRO-10 in combating illicit trade across the region,” he said. “We will continue to intensify our intelligence-driven operations and work closely with other agencies and the community to ensure that those involved in these illegal activities are held accountable,” De Guzman said.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” De Guzman added.
Police also seized smuggled cigarettes valued at more than P6.8 million in Barangay Piraka on March 16.
Follow-up operation is ongoing for the arrest of the owners who are believed to be residents in Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Norte.