Authorities arrested a courier truck driver and confiscated PHP5.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in an intelligence-driven operation late Monday, the Zamboanga City Police Office reported Tuesday.
The suspect, identified by the alias Randy, 43, is a resident of Barangay Calarian.
At around 6 p.m., operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division and Zamboanga City Police Station 5 intercepted a truck along the bypass road connecting Barangays Boalan and Tugbungan.
A Bureau of Customs examiner inspected the vehicle and found boxes containing cigarette packs, the police said.
Officers seized 43 master cases and 75 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes that were wrapped in bubble wrap, with an estimated value of Php 5.9 million.
The truck, the confiscated cigarettes, and the driver were placed under the custody of Police Station 5 pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
The Zamboanga police said they were investigating to determine the owner of the seized cigarettes.
Officials stressed that illegal products undermine consumer protection and government regulations, and law enforcement continues to pursue those involved in smuggling activities.
