POLICEMEN have seized some P1.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in an anti-smuggling operation in Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province, an official said Tuesday, December 1.

Major Lee Eric Humpa, Ipil police chief, said the smuggled cigarettes were confiscated around 5:30 p.m. Monday, November 30, in Sitio Sarok-Sarok in Bangkerohan village.

Humpa said no one was arrested as the owner of the smuggled cigarettes fled before they arrived in Sitio Sarok-Sarok in Bangkerohan village.

Seized were 137 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P1.5 million.

Humpa said an in-depth probe is being conducted for the possible identification of the owner of the contraband.

He said the cigarettes were taken to the Ipil police headquarters for its eventual turnover to the Bureau of Customs. (SunStar Zamboanga)