P1.4M in contraband cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Some P1.4 million worth of contraband cigarettes were confiscated by police authorities in Maguindanao del Norte on Friday, August 21, during a law enforcement operation that also led to the arrest of three persons, police said.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, director of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR), said three luxury vehicles used to transport the contraband were also seized.

The illegal cigarettes were intercepted at about 9:42 p.m. during a joint checkpoint operation in Barangay Bugasan of Matanog town.

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During the operation, three drivers tried to evade the checkpoint but were subsequently flagged down.

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READ: Bangsamoro cops seize P14-M smuggled cigarettes

Upon visual inspection, police personnel observed several master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicles.

The drivers allegedly failed to present valid documents covering the transport and possession of the cargo.

A Ford Ranger (plate number LCU 8966) was loaded with 13 master cases while another Ford Ranger (plate number ANA 6710) also has 13 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. The third vehicle, a Toyota Vios (plate number GXS 366) with six master cases.

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The seized cigarettes were estimated to value P1,369,600. The three drivers are now detained at Matanog police station lock-up cell.

“We commend the vigilance, coordination, and professionalism of our personnel and partner units, whose collective efforts led to the successful interception of the alleged smuggled goods,” Abecia said. /cb