TWO persons were arrested while some P945,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in an anti-smuggling operation in Zamboanga City, the police reported Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Police Colonel Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office director, said the arrest and confiscation of the smuggled cigarettes were made around 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, along the highway in Culianan village, Zamboanga City.

Lorenzo identified the arrested suspects as Prince July Loon, 24, and Misal Tan, 43, who are residents of San Roque and Kasanyangan villages, respectively.

Lorenzo said the policemen were manning a checkpoint when they flagged down a vehicle driven by Loon for inspection.

He said Loon and his companion were arrested as they failed to present documents as the vehicle was found to be loaded with 27 master cases of cigarettes worth P945,000.

He said the two suspects, vehicle and confiscated contraband were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. (SunStar Zamboanga