Manila, June 10 -- A joint police and Customs anti-smuggling operation led to the seizure of PHP28.6 million worth of suspected illegal cigarettes and the arrest of two individuals in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on Tuesday.

According to Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, chief of the Police Regional Office in Mimaropa (PRO-4B), the suspects were intercepted along the national highway in Barangay Sta. Monica after they attempted to evade a law enforcement checkpoint.

Dela Cruz said authorities confiscated 188 master cases of assorted cigarettes with an estimated market value of PHP28.6 million.

Also seized was an Isuzu Elf truck that was allegedly used to transport the contraband.

He added that the seized items were turned over to t...