Authorities arrested two people and seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P1.3 million concealed under sacks of ‘tahop’ or rice husks inside a container van in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Police intercepted the vehicle and discovered at least 35 boxes and 87 reams of alleged smuggle cigarettes during an inspection in Barangay Poblacion Dalican.
The 38-year-old driver, a resident of Zamboanga City, and his 28-year-old companion, a resident of Davao del Sur, were arrested after they reportedly failed to present documents for the cargo.
According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the alleged contraband was reportedly heading to Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
The seized items are now in police custody while the suspects arrested will face charges.
