Police in Agusan del Norte seized approximately P7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an operation on Thursday. The raid took place in Carmen, following a tip-off from a local resident.
The operation was initiated after authorities observed suspicious unloading activities from a pump boat in Purok 3, Baylanon, Barangay Cahayagan.
During the operation, law enforcement discovered an abandoned FUSO container van loaded with various brands of cigarettes, indicating plans for illegal distribution.
Details of the Seized Cigarettes
Authorities confiscated 90 cartons of Greenhills cigarettes, 25 cartons of Cannon cigarettes, and 40 cartons of Casablanca cigarettes.
Additionally, two vehicles—a white Mitsubishi Canter truck and a white Kia container van—were recovered. Both vehicles are under investigation as part of the ongoing effort to track the individuals behind the smuggling operation.
I commend our operating troops for their swift action in intercepting smuggled cigarettes worth millions of pesos. Their vigilance is instrumental in protecting our communities and upholding the law.
Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV
The police chief reiterated that this operation sends a strong message to those involved in illegal activities, stating that law enforcement will eventually catch up with them.
Authorities are conducting follow-up investigations in coordination with other government agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the smuggling.
This successful operation marks another significant achievement for the Police Regional Office 13 in their campaign against smuggling and organized crime in the region.