Smuggled cigarettes seized at Lipata Port during Holy Week
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Law enforcement authorities intercepted a van carrying 18 boxes of contraband cigarettes at the Lipata Ferry Terminal during a successful anti-smuggling operation conducted on April 19, 2025.
The joint operation, conducted was part of "Oplan Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025," involved members of the Lipata Security Composite Team composed of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Security Operatives, PNP Maritime personnel, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Substation - Lipata.
According to a composite team report, a white Toyota Hi-Ace van with plate number AAM 3840 was flagged for inspection after K9 units detected suspicious cargo. The driver, identified as Ashary Tocalo Hadji Abobacar, 34, a resident of ParaΓ±aque City, initially claimed the boxes contained ginger only or ‘talapa/luya.’
During questioning, Abobacar revealed he was paid P250 for each small box and P500 for each large box to transport the items. He collected the cargo from Barangay Baminta in Cagayan de Oro City and was instructed to deliver it to Bicol and Manila to someone known only as ‘Jalal.’
With the driver's consent, authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle, confirming the boxes contained smuggled cigarettes. The contraband and the driver were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte for proper disposition. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA Surigao del Norte)
