Authorities seized an estimated P17 million worth of illegal cigarettes during a police operation at a residential property in Barangay Mabini Homesite, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, officials said Monday.

According to a report by RH Grace Sansano, boxes of assorted cigarette brands were discovered inside a bungalow-type house along Ocampo Street in Doña Adela Subdivision. Police said more than 500 boxes were found, occupying the living room and extending into two bedrooms.

The operation was carried out by joint elements of the Cabanatuan City Police and the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office under the leadership of Col. Ritchie Claravall. Officers had begun loading the contraband into two vans following the raid.

Claravall said the scale of the seizure suggests a large-scale operation, describing it as the biggest recovery of illegal cigarettes by the Nueva Ecija police since intensified efforts against illicit trade were ordered.

A brief chase ensued between operatives and individuals believed to be involved in the operation. While several suspects managed to escape, authorities were able to apprehend one person. Several identification cards were also recovered from one of the vans being loaded with cigarettes.

Investigators are currently working to determine the owner and occupants of the house. Authorities are also looking into a white sport utility vehicle and a motorcycle found parked in front of the property to establish possible links to the illegal activity.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been notified and is expected to conduct an inventory of the seized items.