P800,000 smuggled cigarettes seized in Ozamiz checkpoint

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — Police operatives intercepted a mini van carrying an estimated P800,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a late-night checkpoint operation in Barangay Labinay, Ozamiz City on Thursday, June 25.

At around 11:10 p.m., personnel of the Ozamiz City police station, in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office, flagged down a white multicab mini van at the city’s border control point.

Authorities said the driver failed to present the required documents for the vehicle and its cargo. Upon inspection, operatives discovered 20 boxes of Berlin cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the city.

READ: Cops bust cigarette smuggling ring in Lanao del Norte

The suspect, along with the seized contraband and the vehicle, was brought to the Ozamiz City police station for proper documentation and disposition.

READ: P860-M illicit cigarettes seized in Mandaue City

Police officials assured that strict checkpoint and border control operations will continue across Misamis Occidental to prevent the entry and transport of smuggled goods. They also urged the public to immediately report suspicious activities to help curb the spread of contraband in local communities. /cb