TUNGAWAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Law enforcement authorities intercepted a vehicle loaded with smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱1.7 million during a border control operation in Barangay San Pedro, Tungawan, on September 18, 2025.
At around 1:15 p.m., personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under the direct supervision of PMAJ Brent Ian S. Salazar, in coordination with the Tungawan Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, flagged down a blue Toyota Revo (Plate No. XDX 295) at the checkpoint.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 15 master cases and 50 reams of Champion cigarettes, four master cases of New Berlin (Red), and 10 master cases of Astro Menthol King. In total, 1,500 reams of illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱1,717,590 were confiscated, along with the vehicle used to transport the contraband.
Police said the operation is part of their intensified campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities in the province. Authorities vowed to strengthen border security measures to prevent the entry of illicit goods that undermine government revenue collection and fuel black-market trade.
The confiscated items are now under police custody for proper disposition as further investigation and possible filing of charges are underway.