Zamboanga City — April 1, 2025 — In a decisive blow against illegal trade, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) led a major anti-smuggling operation that resulted in the seizure of contraband worth over ₱3.5 million and the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in the illicit activity.
The joint operation, carried out at around 3:30 PM at a storage facility in Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City, was conducted by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in coordination with the Bureau of Customs Region 9 and Zamboanga City Police Station 11.
Authorities confiscated a total of 50 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, including:
- 10 master cases of New Berlin Red
- 20 master cases of Fort
- 10 master cases of Cannon
- 5 master cases of Bravo White
- 5 master cases of Bravo Red
The estimated street value of the seized cigarettes alone was pegged at ₱2,865,000. Also impounded was a closed van, reportedly used in transporting the illegal goods, valued at ₱650,000. The total value of all confiscated items reached ₱3,515,000.
The arrested suspects, along with the contraband and the vehicle, were brought to the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station for documentation and processing. They will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“This successful operation is a testament to the unwavering commitment of PRO 9 in protecting our borders and dismantling smuggling networks,” said PRO 9 Regional Director PBGEN Roel C. Rodolfo. “We will continue to pursue intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure the safety and security of our communities.”
The raid highlights PRO 9’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, disrupt transnational criminal operations, and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.