Agusan del norte: The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 54 container vans containing approximately PHP3 billion worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Friday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BOC implemented a Letter of Authority that led to the discovery of 54 40-foot container vans, each containing an estimated 1,030 master cases of cigarettes. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. stated that the scale of the seizure suggested the involvement of a sophisticated criminal network operating beyond local capacity. He emphasized that this operation was not a localized distribution ring but a logistical network capable of moving large quantities of contraband through regional corridors.

The operation took place at Gotong Private Port, conducted by the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company in coordination with the BOC. The contraband discovered in Barangay Talisay was turned over to BOC-Caraga for proper documentation and disposition. Nartatez highlighted the impact of large-scale smuggling operations on lawful businesses and government revenues, underscoring the PNP's commitment to strengthening law enforcement efforts against organized illegal trade activities across the country.

Nartatez also called for stricter control over private port facilities to block illegal entry points of smuggled goods. He directed all regional and provincial directors to intensify coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance surveillance of private wharves and secondary ports. The PNP aims to expand its intelligence-driven approach to prevent any pier from becoming a gateway for smuggled goods detrimental to the economy.