ABANDONED. Police seize more than PHP1.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday dawn (March 7, 2023). No one was arrested as the smugglers abandoned their merchandise upon sensing the arrival of lawmen. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga City Police Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have seized over PHP1.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes as the police strengthened its law enforcement campaign in this city, an official said Tuesday.
Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, said the smuggled cigarettes were seized around 3 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay San Roque, although no one was arrested as the smugglers fled upon sensing the arrival of policemen.
Lorenzo said the personnel of ZCPO Station 7 seized 34 master cases of assorted brands of cigarettes worth PHP1.19 million following a tipoff.
He said the confiscated contraband was placed under the custody of ZCPO Station 7 and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Tuesday's confiscation of smuggled cigarettes was the second for this month here.
On March 1, three suspects were arrested and more than PHP1.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were also seized near the island village of Manalipa. (PNA)
