Zamboanga: Authorities arrested two individuals and seized approximately PHP1.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a pre-dawn operation here Friday. Lt. Col. Melvin Laguros, chief of the Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit-Zamboanga Peninsula, said the contraband was confiscated during a checkpoint shortly before 1 a.m. in Barangay Sta. Catalina.

According to Philippines News Agency, the smuggled cigarettes were loaded into a wing van truck labeled as 'parcels' when the shipment was intercepted. Laguros stated that based on the investigation, the cargo originated from a warehouse in Barangay Catalina and was scheduled for delivery to various locations in the city.

The two arrested individuals claimed they were unaware the vehicle was loaded with smuggled cigarettes due to a "no touch policy" at the warehouse. Seized from the wing van were 557 reams of trafficked cigarettes.

Laguros emphasized that the operation is part of the PNP Maritime Group's intensified campaign against smuggling, aimed at protecting the economy and public health and ensuring fair trade. He pledged to continue collaborating with various government agencies to prevent smuggling in the Zamboanga Peninsula.