ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — In a major crackdown on illegal cigarette trafficking, three suspects were arrested and smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P4.4 million were seized during a checkpoint operation conducted by authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

According to Philippines News Agency, director of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), the operation took place on Tuesday afternoon at a checkpoint in Purok Euporbia, Barangay Lutiman, Alicia. Masauding reported that the authorities intercepted two vehicles carrying large quantities of undocumented cigarettes. The first vehicle contained 79 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes estimated at PHP1.9 million, while the second held 39 master cases and 31 reams worth PHP2.5 million.

The identities of the suspects are currently withheld as follow-up operations are underway. Following the seizure, both the suspects and the confiscated goods were transported to the Alicia Municipal Police Station for further processing and legal disposition.