Maguindanao: Police acting on a tip unearthed a large cache of smuggled cigarettes buried in a remote village here Tuesday afternoon. Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro, said the contraband was found in a vacant lot under coconut trees in Barangay Calawag, Parang.

According to Philippines News Agency, the discovery was the result of days of surveillance operation and intelligence-driven police activities. Ventura credited a tip from concerned civilians for the successful operation.

Police have identified persons of interest and are investigating to determine the owner and how the smuggled goods entered the town. The total value of the recovered cigarettes has yet to be determined.