P6.2-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga del Norte checkpoint

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Authorities arrested a 36-year-old truck driver after seizing more than P6.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a random checkpoint in Barangay Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte early Friday, June 19.

Lt. Col. Edwin Verzon, commander of the Zamboanga del Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC), said his team along with other units flagged down a white Isuzu Elf truck with plate number JAG4749 at around 7:02 a.m.

READ: P2.6M contraband cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato

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The driver, a resident of Barangay Zambowood, Zamboanga City, initially stopped but suddenly accelerated in an attempt to evade inspection.

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After a brief pursuit, police operatives managed to intercept the vehicle.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered 105 cases and 230 reams of assorted cigarettes concealed among boxes of dried fish. The Bureau of Customs standard price index estimated the confiscated items at P6,280,080.

The suspect was arrested after failing to show proper documents for the cigarettes which were packed without the graphic warning about the dangers of smoking. He is now under police custody pending proper disposition of the case. /jpv

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