A 16-year-old boy was arrested with alleged smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Police said the minor was flagged down for reportedly not wearing a helmet while driving his motorcycle.

Upon inspection, police found that the minor was transporting 300 packs of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P11,000.

The minor was taken under police custody for alleged violation of The Graphic Health Warnings Law (RA 10643) and will be turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for intervention.

Police said the items seized, including the motorcycle of the suspect, will be turned over to the Department of Trade and Industry.

“This incident highlights our proactive measures to combat smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine the law and disrupt legitimate trade. PRO10 remains vigilant and resolute in its mission to safeguard the region," Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.