P1 million smuggled cigarettes found in ambulance

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes valued at P1 million were found in an ambulance that was intercepted in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte at dawn yesterday.

The ambulance was pulled over by members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2PMFC) at a checkpoint in Barangay Bansaryil at around 2:20 a.m.

The vehicle was found carrying 27 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, prompting police to arrest the driver and his helper, according to Lanao del Norte police Col. Leo delo Sua.

The suspects failed to show documents for the transport of their cargo.

Further investigation showed the ambulance was registered under the name of the municipal government of Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

The local government has yet to confirm ownership of the ambulance.

The suspects were brought to the police station for questioning while the contraband was turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.

The ambulance was placed under the custody of the 2PMFC.

Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, another shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P10.2 million was seized in Himamaylan City on Monday.

Police said the anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Talaban resulted in the arrest of a suspect and seizure of cigarette brands D&B, YS Menthol cigarettes and YS Red.

Two other suspects managed to flee after sensing the arrival of the police.