Authorities seized nearly P7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects during separate law enforcement operations in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur, police said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the operations, conducted 1 and 2 August, resulted in the confiscation of 122 master cases of contraband cigarettes with an estimated total value of P6,990,400.

Two Filipino suspects, including a 52-year-old, were taken into custody.

Officers also recovered a land vehicle and an unmarked motorized fishing boat believed to have been used to transport the illicit cargo. The suspects and seized items remain in police custody pending the filing of formal charges.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units and said the operations support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and combat illegal trade.

Law enforcement officials noted that smuggling deprives the government of lawful revenues and undermines legitimate businesses.