ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱1.63 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from two individuals during a checkpoint operation conducted by the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC MARPSTA) of the PNP Maritime Group on August 15, 2025.
The joint operation, carried out with the Regional Maritime Unit 9 and the 1st Special Operations Unit-SBC Basilan, took place along Veterans Avenue Extension, where operatives flagged down a truck originating from Marta Drive, Barangay Catalina.
Upon inspection, police discovered 557 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes of various brands, concealed inside the vehicle along with other delivery items. The contraband was valued at ₱1,638,322.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act 8424, the amended National Internal Revenue Code.
Authorities stressed that cigarette smuggling not only evades government tax collection—causing significant losses to state revenue—but also undermines the government’s anti-smoking campaign, which seeks to curb smoking-related illnesses.
Police said the seized items and apprehended individuals are now under proper custody while further investigation is underway.