ZARAGOZA, Nueva Ecija— Police seized around P165,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Batitang, Zaragoza on Saturday, 11 October 2025.

According to the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, personnel from the Zaragoza Municipal Police Station intercepted a white Toyota Fortuner along the Zaragoza–San Antonio Road. During inspection, officers saw a box of Modern Lights cigarettes in plain view — prompting them to search further.

The team eventually discovered 10 boxes of fake Modern Lights cigarettes inside the vehicle. The suspects failed to show any documents proving the legality of the items.

Both suspects are now under police custody, while the confiscated cigarettes are being held at the Zaragoza MPS for proper disposition. Authorities said criminal charges for violation of the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (RA 9211) are being prepared.