Manila, Sept. 24 -- Authorities have seized an estimated PHP3.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a security operation in Lanao del Norte province, an official said Thursday.

The smuggled cigarettes were seized in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Maigo town at about 9:24 p.m. on Wednesday night, Col. Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte Police director, said.

Sua said the operatives were conducting a mobile patrol operation when they spotted two vehicles in an isolated area of the village.

"They recovered abandoned cigarette products consisting of 85 boxes and 100 reams of Modern cigarettes," Sua said in his report.

He said an improvised replica rifle with improvised marble projectiles locally known as "jolen de-bomba," and a box containing notes an...