THE smuggled cigarettes. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
A police officer based in Zamboanga City and a businessman were arrested in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, July 31, for allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes valued at P1.8 million.
The suspects were identified as Aziz, a 36-year-old businessman, and a 34-year-old patrolman.
Investigation said a white van with the suspects and the contraband were flagged down in a border control point in Barangay Gatas at around 10 p.m.
Instead of stopping, the suspects sped away to evade arrest but were intercepted in a pursuit operation.
Recovered from the suspects were 1,630 reams of imported cigarettes valued at P1.8 million in an inventory conducted by the Bureau of Customs. Police found a 9mm pistol from the businessman.
The suspects were taken to the Kalawit Municipal Police Station for disposition while the illicit item was turned over to the Bureau of Customs.