4 nabbed over smuggled cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines — Four persons have been arrested for allegedly smuggling cigarettes in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The suspects, identified as Ricky Baria, Ronilo Japon, Abdulhaver Kangan and Jallen Mabuting were reportedly caught by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) unloading boxes of cigarettes in Barangay Balimbingan on Friday.

Police said they seized from the suspects 85 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated street value of P2.97 million and two vehicles.

Charges of violating Republic Act 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997, and RA 10643 or the Health Graphic Warning Law will be filed against the suspects, the CIDG said.