By Police arrested two men and seized an estimated P2.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Midsayap, Cotabato, authorities said.
The suspects, each driving a Toyota HiAce van, were flagged down by joint operatives of the Cotabato Highway Patrol Team and the Midsayap Municipal Police Station at a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Sadaan on Thursday afternoon, July 23.
According to Col. Ramel Hojilla, director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, the drivers attempted to evade inspection after officers instructed them to stop and present their vehicle and cargo documents. Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly sped away, prompting a brief pursuit.
