P6.2 million illegal cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P6.2 million were seized at a police checkpoint in Kalawit, Zambonga del Norte yesterday morning.

Members of the 2nd Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2ZNPMFC) were conducting border control operation in Barangay Gatas when they caught an Isuzu Elf truck violating traffic rules.

Lt. Col. Edwin Verzon, chief of the 2ZNPMFC, said that instead of pulling over, the truck driver stepped on the gas, triggering a brief chase.

Pursuing police officers cornered the truck, which was found loaded with 105 master cases and 230 reams of untaxed cigarettes hidden under boxes of dried fish.

The driver failed to show documents for the transport  of his cargo, prompting police to arrest him.

Charges for resisting authorities and violating Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law as well as RA 10863 or the  Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will be filed against the suspect.

Police conducted an inventory of the items before turning these over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.