Soldiers seize P22M in contraband cigarettes, diapers in Lanao del Norte

The haul of contraband cigarettes and diapers seized by soldiers in Linamon, Lanao del Norte. RICHEL V. UMEL

ILIGAN CITY — Soldiers seized on Tuesday over P22 million worth of contraband cigarettes at a checkpoint in Linamon town, Lanao del Norte.

Brigadier General Anthon Abrina, commander of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said the illegal goods were loaded in a 12-wheeler wing van driven by a certain Toto Figueroa.

The truck, with plate number  CBA 2593, is owned by R.C. Agulto Trucking Service.

Figueroa told the Inquirer that the contraband originated in Pagadian City and was bound for Cagayan de Oro City when flagged down at the checkpoint in Linamon.

Abrina said Figueroa failed to present any document about the cargo and that he also did not have a driver’s license. “In the absence of any document, the cargo was suspected to be smuggled,” Abrina explained.

The contraband was then turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City. An inventory by BOC personnel counted 570 boxes of assorted cigarettes and 234 packages of diapers worth some P22.6 million.

The BOC also seized the truck, estimated to be worth P2.5 million.