Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte – August 7, 2025 — Authorities from the Katipunan Municipal Police Station intercepted a wing van loaded with an estimated 165 boxes of smuggled cigarettes early Wednesday morning at a checkpoint along the national highway, in front of JRMSU Katipunan.
The illicit goods were reportedly concealed beneath sacks of charcoal in an attempt to evade detection. The intercepted cartons bore no mandatory health graphic warnings, a clear violation of the Tobacco Regulation Act and customs regulations.
The checkpoint operation was part of the Philippine National Police’s ongoing intensified campaign against smuggling and the illicit tobacco trade in the region. Acting on suspicion, officers flagged down the vehicle and, upon inspection, discovered the contraband.
Authorities are now coordinating with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies to determine the origin of the smuggled goods and identify those behind the operation.
The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle have been placed under police custody, while the driver is undergoing investigation for possible charges of smuggling and violation of national health and customs laws.
Police warned smugglers that intensified border and highway inspections will continue as part of efforts to curb illegal trade in Zamboanga Peninsula.