Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P20 million from two abandoned houses in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Police said it was a follow-up operation following the confiscation of alleged smuggled cigarettes along the shore in Barangay Sigayan.

This time, the operating team confiscated up to 506 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes from two abandoned houses near the site where cigarettes were seized previously at the border of Barangays Bangaan and Sigayan.

Police said the houses allegedly served as temporary holding area for the illegal goods.

The boxes of cigarettes in various brands were valued at more than P20.2 million.

The items seized will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“I would like to congratulate the operating units for the successful operation. PRO10 will not waver in its duty to safeguard the region, ensuring that our communities are protected from the impact of smuggling. Rest assured, we are resolute in our mission to uphold the rule of law and secure a safe environment for all,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen de Guzman, said.