CONFISCATED. A Marine officer watches over smuggled cigarettes that several unidentified men were trying to haul to a safe place at the public market of Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday (July 14, 2020). More than PHP750,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized but no arrest was made. (Photo courtesy of MBLT-5)
COTABATO CITY – A Philippine Marines unit stationed in one of Lanao del Sur’s coastal towns has increased its visibility and patrol following the discovery of smuggled cigarettes in an abandoned truck Tuesday.
In a report to Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5) said more than PHP750,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized from an abandoned truck in Barangay Curahab, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Acting on a tip from local residents about a suspicious truck near the Malabang market building, MBLT troopers proceeded to the area at around 10 p.m. and found cigarettes inside and outside the cargo truck.
“The smugglers were moving the contraband to a safe location but immediately fled upon seeing the Marines,” Carreon said, quoting the MBLT-5 report.
The confiscated contraband and vehicle were then turned over to Malabang police station for legal action and proper disposition.
During the past several months, the Marines have seized several smuggled goods passing by the town of Malabang, including smuggled cigarettes and other contraband.
The biggest haul was in mid-June when the Marines seized more than PHP7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. Carreon, also head of Joint Task Force Central, lauded the Marine troops for their commendable feat in their area of jurisdiction. (PNA)
