P1.69 million smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P1.69 million were seized at a checkpoint in this city on Friday.

An informant told police that a van loaded with smuggled cigarettes would pass through Barangay San Roque, Col. Alexander Lorenzo, acting Zamboanga City police director, said.

“The driver of the van pulled over and escaped when officers manning the checkpoint approached the vehicle,” Lorenzo said.

Probers recovered at least 36 master cases containing smuggled cigarettes from the van.

The cigarettes were taken to the city police Station 7 for documentation and turnover to the Bureau of Customs.