Police intercepted a vehicle loaded with over P2.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two male suspects during an operation in Barangay Lantian, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on Oct. 5.
Captain Derf Jay Maquinta, spokesperson for the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), reported that personnel from the Labangan Municipal Police Station conducted the operation at 2:40 p.m. following a tip about the transport of illicit tobacco products through the municipality.
Responding officers spotted and pursued a gray Toyota Hi-Ace Commuter van coming from Barangay Balimbingan before blocking and intercepting it in Barangay Lantian.
When flagged down, the two occupants failed to present legal documents covering the ownership, acquisition or transportation of the cargo.
In an inventory conducted with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), authorities seized 45 master cases and 43 reams of cigarettes with an estimated value of P2,627,778.
The seized tobacco products and the van were turned over to the BOC for proper disposition.
The two suspects remain under police custody at the Labangan Municipal Police Station as authorities prepare to file appropriate charges against them.