The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation to trace the origin and distribution network behind P6.46 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized during a checkpoint operation in Maguindanao del Norte.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the contraband was concealed inside a cement mixer truck in an apparent attempt to evade inspection.
“Criminal groups are always thinking of ways to outsmart us, but your PNP will always find ways to bust them. I commend the operating unit in Maguindanao del Norte for uncovering this modus,” Nartatez said.
Operatives from the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) intercepted 7,550 reams of assorted cigarettes believed to be smuggled during a checkpoint operation at around 9:30 a.m. on March 17 in Sitio Marayag, Barangay Bayanga Norte, Matanog.
A 30-year-old truck driver and his 20-year-old helper, both from Zamboanga City, were arrested after failing to present documents for the cargo.
Police said the truck was flagged down for routine inspection when officers noticed irregularities in the cargo compartment.
During verification, suspected contraband reportedly fell from the mixer drum, prompting a thorough inspection that led to the seizure.
“Our intelligence units are currently tracing the paper trail and the transit route. Tinitingnan natin kung iisang supply chain lang ito mula sa labas ng bansa na kumakalat din sa Luzon at Visayas. We are not ruling out a centralized distribution network,” Nartatez said.
“The use of a cement mixer truck as a ‘front’ shows a high level of sophistication. Hindi ito gawa ng maliliit na player lang. This is clearly the work of an organized group attempting to bypass our checkpoints through deceptive means,” he said.
Authorities are conducting follow-up operations to identify possible warehouses or ports of origin, particularly in western Mindanao, and are monitoring known smuggling routes.
Nartatez also urged the public to report suspicious cargo movements.
“Even if these syndicates use heavy machinery or creative concealment, the PNP remains vigilant. We will continue to dismantle their operations and seize their assets to protect our economy,” he said.
The suspects, vehicle, and seized cigarettes are now in police custody as the investigation continues.
