POLICEMEN have seized some P237,500 worth of smuggled cigarettes and a firearm and arrested three alleged smugglers along the national highway of Zamboanga del Sur, an official disclosed Thursday, June 3, 2021.

Police Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the three arrested alleged smugglers as follows: Almujir Jul Masihol, 26; Alwaler Gadjamil Jakirani, 22; and, Al-Shaiff Gadjamil Jakirani, 20.

Chang said the three were arrested around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday along the national highway in Buenavista village, Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.

She said the policemen were manning a checkpoint when they intercepted an Isuzu highlander wagon with registered plate number RED-526 loaded with 19 master cases of cigarettes with P237,500.

Chang said Masihol was also found in possession of a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition.

She said they failed to present documents for the firearms and the cargo, resulting in their arrest and the cigarettes confiscated.

Chang said charges for violation of the anti-smuggling law will be filed against them.

Masihol will face additional charges for illegal possession of firearm, she added. (SunStar Zamboanga)