Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay – A joint checkpoint operation led by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in coordination with the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Tungawan Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the 106th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, resulted in the successful interception of smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP 742,608.00.
The operation took place on March 1, 2025, at 10:40 AM at the San Pedro Border Control Point in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities flagged down a blaze red Toyota Innova (plate number KDD 448) driven by a male resident of Barangay Baliwasan Grande, Zamboanga City.
During the inspection, officers noticed a bulging item covered with a blue blanket in the middle and back portion of the vehicle. Upon closer examination, cartons of assorted cigarettes were found concealed underneath. The driver failed to present legal documents for the cargo, leading to the seizure of 648 reams of various cigarette brands, including Fort Menthol, Cannon Menthol, and New Far Menthol.
The suspect was immediately placed under arrest, and the vehicle was impounded. Authorities recorded the inventory using an alternative recording device, and the confiscated items were turned over to the Tungawan MPS for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo commended the operation, emphasizing its significance in curbing the entry of illicit goods that pose threats to public health and the local economy.
“This successful operation demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our community by preventing the influx of illicit goods that threaten public health and undermine our local economy,” Dasugo stated.
Authorities reiterated their firm stance against illegal activities and vowed to intensify monitoring efforts to prevent similar offenses. The operation serves as a stern reminder that law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga Sibugay remain vigilant in protecting the community from unlawful trade practices.
