Zamboanga del Norte, April 1, 2025 — Authorities from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in Zamboanga del Norte intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth approximately PhP458,000 during a random inspection at Pulauan Port in Barangay San Vicente, Dapitan City.
The contraband was discovered hidden in the compartment of a passenger bus en route from Zamboanga City to Bacolod City. Police officers, in coordination with port security personnel, were conducting routine checks on vehicles and passengers when they uncovered the illegal cargo.
According to initial investigations, the boxes of cigarettes were loaded onto the bus in Barangay Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Labels on the boxes indicated that the shipment was intended for a dried fish vendor in Bacolod.
Authorities confiscated eight large boxes of “Bravo” brand cigarettes, amounting to a total estimated value of PhP458,400. The seized items were brought to the Zamboanga del Norte police station for proper documentation and filing of charges against those involved.
An investigation is ongoing. Police are preparing to file charges in violation of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.