‘Smuggled’ cigarettes worth P16M found in abandoned trucks in Lanao del Sur —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into the source of over P16 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes discovered inside abandoned trucks in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

In a statement on Wednesday, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities recovered the contraband from three trucks early Tuesday morning. 

The Malabang Municipal Police Station received a call at around 4:47 a.m. regarding the three vehicles left in a vacant lot in Barangay BPS Village. 

Responding officers initially saw coconuts loaded in the trucks, but further inspection revealed boxes of cigarettes hidden beneath the cargo. 

Authorities recovered a total of 403 master cases of cigarettes worth around P16,120,000. 

Seized cigarettes are now under the custody of the Malabang Municipal Police Station for documentation and inventory. These items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

The vehicles had no ignition keys and lacked pertinent documents, according to the police.

“I have directed our field units to strengthen coordination with barangay officials and ensure active public participation,” Nartatez said.

“Malaki ang naitutulong ng mga impormasyong ibinibigay ng ating mga kababayan sa ating kampanya laban sa mga kontrabandong ito,” he added. —VAL, GMA News