World · Philippines Bureau
P7.1M contraband cigarettes seized at Zamboanga checkpoint
Authorities in Zamboanga del Norte have intercepted a major shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at over P7.1 million and arrested two men accused of attempting bribery at a border checkpoint.
LSN Philippines ·
PAGADIAN CITY – Law enforcement officers seized approximately P7.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an operation at a border checkpoint in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, late Tuesday evening.
Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the interception. According to police reports, the men allegedly attempted to bribe officials to allow the contraband shipment to pass through the checkpoint. The suspects have been identified as a 44-year-old driver named Elvin and a 49-year-old identified as Hussam.
The confiscated cigarettes remain in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the smuggling operation. Officials did not immediately disclose whether additional charges would be filed against the suspects beyond the bribery allegations.
The seizure marks another significant enforcement action along the region's borders, where authorities have intensified anti-smuggling operations in recent months.