Police operatives have made a significant breakthrough in combating smuggling activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, arresting one individual and seizing contraband cigarettes valued at approximately P5.05 million. The coordinated operations took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan, as confirmed by officials on Monday, February 23.
Maguindanao del Norte Interception
In Maguindanao del Norte, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A conducted an anti-criminality checkpoint in Barangay Pinantai, Parang, around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), reported that a vehicle was flagged down for inspection during this operation.
Upon thorough examination, authorities discovered the vehicle was transporting suspected smuggled cigarettes bearing the brand New Berlin. An inventory revealed 20 master cases and 441 reams of these illicit goods, with an estimated market value of P1.2 million.
The driver of the vehicle is currently under the custody of the Parang Municipal Police Station, where charges are being prepared for filing. The seized vehicle and contraband will be handed over to the Bureau of Customs–Cotabato for further legal proceedings and investigation into the smuggling network.
Basilan Contraband Discovery
In a separate but related operation in Basilan, police forces seized additional smuggled cigarettes around 1 p.m. on the same Saturday. The discovery occurred in Sitio Kayu Poteh, Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City, where officers found boxes of cigarettes abandoned in plain view.
Police Colonel Ricardo Luzon, Basilan police director, explained that the operating team stumbled upon several boxes of cigarettes while traversing the area. The contraband appeared to have been abandoned by unidentified individuals who likely fled upon sensing the presence of authorities.
The Lamitan City police, in collaboration with the 1st Basilan Provincial Mobile Force Company, confiscated 67 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. These items have an estimated worth of P3.8 million, significantly adding to the total value of seized goods from the day's operations.
The contraband is currently held at the Lamitan City Police Station for proper documentation and inventory procedures. Following this, it will be turned over to the Basilan Customs Satellite Office in Isabela City for final disposition and potential destruction or legal action.
Broader Implications
These successful operations highlight the ongoing efforts by Philippine law enforcement to curb smuggling activities in the Bangsamoro region. The combined value of P5.05 million represents a substantial blow to illegal trade networks that evade taxes and regulations.
Authorities emphasize that such checkpoint operations and surveillance activities will continue as part of their mandate to protect local economies and ensure compliance with national laws. The collaboration between police units and customs officials demonstrates a coordinated approach to tackling cross-border smuggling challenges.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to help authorities maintain security and economic integrity in the region.
