Manila, Dec. 19 -- The Philippine National Police -Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Friday announced the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP143 million from two container trucks apprehended in Quezon City.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. sad the trucks were apprehended along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City for traffic violations on Dec. 17 that resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of the contraband, along with PHP5 million in cash used by the truck drivers to allegedly bribe the apprehending officers.

He said investigations are ongoing as to the origin of the cargo and the identities of the masterminds of the smuggling operation.

According to HPG director ...