Photo courtesy of PNP
Police seized more than Php 6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga, the Philippine National Police reported.
The operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the confiscation of contraband cigarettes valued at Php 6,099,887.52.
The first operation was conducted on June 11 in Barangay Baclay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
Police said operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Zamboanga del Sur Field Unit, with the Tukuran police and other units, intercepted about 50 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth Php 2.85 million.
Two suspects were arrested and placed under custody for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
In a separate operation on June 13 in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City, authorities seized 22 master cases of smuggled cigarettes and a white minivan allegedly used to transport the contraband.
The follow-up operation was carried out by the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit, Zamboanga City Police Station 7, and the Bureau of Customs Region 9. Police said one 25-year-old man was arrested, while the seized items were valued at Php 3,249,887.52.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the operations showed the police force’s continuing campaign against smuggling and economic crimes. The arrested suspects remained under custody while charges were being prepared, and the seized evidence was turned over to the proper authorities for investigation and legal action.