Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) seized an estimated P35.25 million worth of illicit cigarettes during a routine patrol in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, early Monday.

Police said the operation began at around 5:50 a.m. along Barangay Mabini Homesite after officers spotted a suspect hurriedly leaving a white Toyota Hi-Ace van with its rear doors open.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed boxes of cigarettes labeled "RGD 96 JLOONG."

A flash alarm led authorities to recover two more vehicles — another Toyota Hi-Ace and a Toyota Fortuner — also loaded with the same contraband. A follow-up search also uncovered a nearby house being used as a storage facility for the illegal cigarettes.

In all, authorities confiscated 564 boxes of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of P35.25 million based on Bureau of Internal Revenue valuation.

Investigators also recovered a driver's license at the scene, which police said will help identify those behind the shipment.

PRO-3 Director PBGen. Jess B. Mendez said an inventory of the seized items was conducted in the presence of barangay officials.

He said charges for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, will be filed against those responsible.

Mendez said the operation forms part of the region's intensified campaign against economic sabotage.

"We will not allow smuggling to thrive in Central Luzon. These goods cheat the government of revenue and undercut legitimate businesses," he said.

He added that PRO-3 will continue intelligence-driven operations and coordinate with other government agencies to identify and prosecute everyone involved.