Authorities confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P2.5 million in separate operations in Northern Mindanao on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Members of the Misamis Occidental Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) arrested a 37-year-old man identified as alias “Emerson” in a buy-bust operation for alleged violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (RA 8424) in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

Seized from the suspect were 10 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P6,240.

Meanwhile, personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Lanao del Norte intercepted a van loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P2.5 million at a checkpoint in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte evening on Thursday.

Upon inspection, police discovered several boxes of cigarettes without graphic health warnings.

The van driver and his companion reportedly admitted that the items came from Picong, Lanao del Sur.

"This successful interception highlights our ongoing commitment to eradicating illegal smuggling activities in Northern Mindanao. We will remain vigilant and continue to work with local and national authorities to bring violators to justice. PRO10 remains steadfast in its campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities in the region,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.