Cop, businessman arrested over P1.8-M smuggled cigarettes in Zambo Norte

Authorities arrest a policeman and a businessman after intercepting a van loaded with 1,630 reams of smuggled cigarettes concealed inside the van worth P1.9 million during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte late Friday night, July 31. — Photo courtesy of ZNPMFC

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — Authorities arrested a policeman and a businessman after intercepting a van loaded with nearly P1.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte late Friday night, July 31.

Lt. Col. Edwin Verzon, force commander of the Zamboanga del Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC), said personnel from the 2nd Platoon, ZNPMFC, together with other law enforcement units, flagged down a white Nissan van at 10:05 p.m.

Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated and attempted to evade inspection, prompting operatives to pursue and intercept the vehicle a short distance away.

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