P1.6 million smuggled cigarettes confiscated in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police confiscated smuggled cigarettes worth P1.6 million in this city.

Police Station 4 operatives initially seized 30 master cases worth P1.05 million in a raid in Sitio Bactus, Barangay Talabaan, Col. Alexander Lorenzo, city police chief, said.

No one was arrested during the raid as the suspects managed to escape when they sensed the arrival of law enforcers.

After several hours, Police Station 6 and intelligence unit personnel recovered 16 master cases of Astro Menthol brand in Barangay Kasanyangan, around two kilometers away from the city hall.

The smuggled cigarettes are valued at P560,000.

The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for disposition.