Authorities arrested two men and seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P3.4 million at a checkpoint in Barangay Omonay, Damulog, Bukidnon.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), two vehicles carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes were flagged down at the checkpoint.

Upon inspection, boxes of cigarettes were found in plain view, which lacked the required government health warning labels.

The two drivers identified as alias “Renz,” 22, a resident of General Santos City and alias “Jojo,” 31, a resident of Quezon, Bukidnon were arrested.

PRO-10 added that while the inspection is ongoing, another vehicle next in line breached the checkpoint forcibly and fled the area.

Operatives pursued the vehicle and discovered the vehicle abandoned in front of the Damulog Public Bus Terminal.

The two arrested drivers told authorities that the abandoned vehicle belonged to their companion.

Suspected smuggled cigarettes were also found in the abandoned vehicle.

The drivers arrested and the items seized were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“PRO10 remains relentless in strengthening border security and enforcing the law to prevent the proliferation of illegal goods. We will continue to intensify our operations to protect the public and uphold the rule of law across Northern Mindanao” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.