Police arrested two people and confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P7 million in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

Personnel of the Regional Special Operations Unit-Northern Mindanao (RSOU-10) and the Laguindingan Municipal Police Station launched the operation after receiving intelligence reports that the suspects allegedly engaged in holding, transporting, and distributing smuggled cigarettes within the province.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the cigarettes reportedly came from Zamboanga del Sur and were delivered to Laguindingan town where they were stored in a warehouse.

PRO-10 added that a buyer from Bukidnon was supposed to pick the items up.

“It was further learned that the vehicle transporting the smuggled cigarettes usually traveled during the early morning hours when roads were less busy,” PRO-10 said.

The suspects, a 40-year-old driver and his 25-year-old helper, were allegedly caught in the act of preparing and extracting stocks of cigarettes outside the warehouse during the operation.

The suspects arrested were taken into police custody and may face charges for violation of the Graphic Health Warnings Law (RA 10643) while the seized items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“I commend the RSOU 10 and Laguindingan MPS for a job well done. PRO10 remains steadfast in its commitment to enforce our laws and ensure that those who attempt to profit from illegal activities will be held accountable,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, said.