ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities here — in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in this city — intercepted two container vans loaded with 100 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an approximate market worth of P5.7 million.

Police Regional Office for Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding on Sunday disclosed that two container vans were intercepted by the Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (ZCPS-6) at Omar Drive, Logoy Medio, Barangay Talon-Talon last Saturday.

Masauding said a total of 100 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes were seized during the operation.

An initial inventory conducted by the police showed that the shipment consisted of 82 master cases of the cigarette brand Modern Red and 18 master cases of Bravo Red with a combined worth of P5.73 million.

Masauding said the driver and his helpers managed to flee upon noticing the authorities’ presence, leaving behind the smuggled goods.

Despite their escape, the policemen were able to secure the vehicles and confiscated cigarettes, he said. The items were immediately turned over to the BOC for proper custody and documentation.

An investigation is currently underway to trace the owner of the smuggled cigarettes by examining the vehicle’s registration and other available evidence.

This operation marks the first major accomplishment of the year in the government’s fight against illicit trade and smuggling of tobacco leaf products in the region.

Masauding said the police and BoC remain committed to strengthening their efforts to curb smuggling activities and uphold the rule of law.