Authorities seized an estimated P47.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in an overnight operation in Tarlac City, police said.

Operatives carried out the operation from evening of February 9 until early morning of February 10 in Sitio Pag-asa, Barangay Tibag.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said officers conducted a buy-bust operation targeting illicit tobacco products. During the operation, they discovered more contraband stored in the area.

“Nag-conduct ng buy-bust operation ang operatiba ng CIDG laban dito sa illicit tobacco products. Ngayon, during the conduct of the buy-bust, napag-alaman nila na marami pang nakaimbak doon na kontrabandong sigarilyo,” PCOL Grant Gallod, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, said.

During area checking, operatives found two vehicles believed to be used in the illegal activity. Inside, they discovered a total of 683 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.

Authorities brought the items seized to the CIDG Tarlac office for proper documentation and inventory.