P7.1M in Suspected Smuggled Cigarettes Seized, Two Arrested for Bribery Attempt in Zamboanga del Norte

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Authorities intercepted over P7.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two suspects who allegedly attempted to bribe their way through a border checkpoint in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, late Tuesday night. In a police report, authorities identified the suspects as Elvin, 44, a driver, and Hussam, 49, a helper, both residents of Barangay Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City. Elements of the 2nd Platoon, 2nd Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC), alongside the Kalawit Municipal Police Station, flagged down a silver Nissan NV350 Urvan (GAN 7637) at a border control point in Barangay Gatas around 11:50 p.m. on Sept. 8. During the inspection, officers noticed a modified compartment in the vehicle. Suspicious of the occupants’ uneasy behavior, police questioned the duo about the hidden space. Hoping to avoid arrest, the suspects admitted to carrying contraband and allegedly offered officers a P100,000 bribe to let them pass. Police rejected the bribe and immediately searched the hidden compartment, discovering 1,853 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes. After inventory of the seized goods, Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel valued the contraband at P7,152,580. The suspects, the vehicle, and the confiscated cigarettes were brought to the Kalawit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges./coa