ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱2.86 million worth of undocumented imported cigarettes in an afternoon raid at the Zamboanga City Public Market on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The operation, launched around 3:15 p.m., was spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Zamboanga City Field Unit (CIDG-ZCFU) in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and Zamboanga City Police Station 11 (Central).
A total of 50 master cases of assorted cigarette brands were seized from Stall No. 76 of Building F inside the public market in Poblacion Zone IV. The inventory included 14 master cases of Ray Cigarettes (Red), 13 cases of Marlboro Gold, 10 cases of Mighty Menthol, seven cases of Gift Cigarettes, four cases of Marble, one case of Marlboro Red, and one case of Ray Cigarettes.
The contraband was discovered following a tip from a concerned citizen about the temporary storage of smuggled cigarettes at the market. Upon verification, authorities traced the stall to a certain Kalmi Hakinan, based on the records of the Office of the Market Administrator.
An official inventory of the confiscated goods was conducted in the presence of Barangay Kagawad Alsamer Mustafa Jaafar of Poblacion Zone IV and Market Enforcer Benidict C. Bello, who served as witnesses.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify and charge other individuals involved in the illicit cigarette trade in the city.
The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) assured the public that it will sustain its intensified campaign against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade in the Zamboanga Peninsula through stronger patrol operations and inter-agency coordination.