By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities arrested three individuals, including a teenager, and seized about PHP14.9 million worth of contraband in separate law operations in Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur provinces on Monday afternoon, officials said Tuesday.
Col. Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte Police director, said alias Ab, 59, and the 16-year-old boy were arrested in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan town.
Sua said the operatives were conducting a checkpoint operation when they flagged down a cargo truck driven by Ab for routine inspection.
“Upon inspection, the truck was found transporting 9,000 reams of assorted cigarettes, all believed to be smuggled, and with an estimated market value of PHP7,200,000,” he said in a report.
Sua said the apprehended individuals were brought to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, processing, and profiling before being referred to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate legal action.
The confiscated smuggled cigarettes are currently in the custody of the police’s 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, Col. Rodolfo Arañas, Zamboanga del Sur Police director, said a 52-year-old driver was arrested when they intercepted a minivan carrying smuggled cigarettes in Purok Kinhason, Barangay Panduma, Tukuran.
Arañas said the driver was arrested after he was unable to produce the required documents for the cargo.
“The operation was launched following information received from a confidential informant regarding the unloading and storage of illicit cigarettes,” he said in a radio interview.
He said that 49 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes were seized, with an estimated value of PHP7,733,606.
The confiscated items were turned over to the BOC for appropriate disposition, while the suspect is now under the custody of the Tukuran Municipal Police for proper disposition.
Arañas said the successful operation sends a strong message that the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office remains relentless in its campaign against smuggling and other crimes. (PNA)
