Over P6-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga City 

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities blocked an attempt to import contraband cigarettes worth P6.37 million in an anti-smuggling operation in Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

Operatives collared Edgar Estrada, 46, the driver of a white Isuzu Elf truck carrying 182 cases of New Orleans cigarettes, which were later confiscated. His two accomplices, however, fled from the scene.

According to the PNP, Estrada was injured on his right eyebrow after jumping off the vehicle in an attempt to escape from authorities.

“The seized products are now under the custody of the Bureau of Customs while the arrested suspect underwent booking procedure for subsequent filing of charges,” said PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr.

He also assured that a follow-up operation will be done by the police to track down the other suspects.

The PNP committed to work closely with other law enforcement agencies in ramping up its crackdown against smuggling, specifically in the southern Philippines.

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JPV