By Edwin Fernandez

ABANDONED CONTRABAND. The unattended boxes of smuggled cigarettes found near residential homes along the coast of Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Thursday (March 26, 2026). The police recovered the contraband valued at PHP12.8 million. (Photo from Lanao del Sur PPO)

COTABATO CITY – Acting on a tip, police authorities recovered several unattended boxes of imported cigarettes, estimated to be worth PHP12.8 million, along the coastline of Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Thursday.

Col. Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police provincial director, said in a statement on Friday that joint police teams found 220 boxes of assorted cigarettes, including 120 boxes of Fort brand, 25 boxes of Berlin and 75 boxes of San Marino, at about 2 a.m. in Barangay Bunkhouse of the town.

“Residents were surprised to learn such a huge amount of contraband exists in their community,” he said.

Cabuhat said police have conducted various law enforcement operations against smuggling in Lanao del Sur since January this year, resulting in the recovery of about P50 million worth of contraband during the first two months of 2026.

“This achievement reflects our firm commitment to uphold the law and protect our communities,” he added. (PNA)