An ambulance was intercepted while allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes worth ₱1.08 million during a checkpoint operation in Purok 1, Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
Personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company stopped a Toyota Hi-Ace passenger/emergency patient transport vehicle traveling from Sultan Naga Dimaporo to Kapatagan.
During the inspection, authorities found 22 master cases of New Far Red cigarettes and five master cases of other cigarette brands inside the vehicle.
The driver, 31, and a 19-year-old passenger were brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation. Both are residents of Purok 8, Poblacion, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle remain under the custody of the 2nd PMFC pending formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and legal action.
The operation was part of checkpoint activities aimed at preventing the illegal transportation of products in the province.
Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office said checkpoint operations would continue to be intensified to prevent illegal transportation and maintain peace and order in the province.
PRO 10 Regional Director PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr. said the Philippine National Police would continue strengthening its campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities.
He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities by immediately reporting suspicious activities to help prevent illegal trade and hold those involved accountable.
The case remains subject to the appropriate legal proceedings.
