ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives intercepted an estimated ₱21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a major anti-smuggling operation on Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protect the economy and support legitimate trade.
At approximately 9:00 a.m., personnel from R2/RSOU, serving as the lead unit, together with PNP CIDMU-SIU, RMU9, HPG, CIDG, S2 MBLT-1, and the Bureau of Customs, flagged down a white six-wheeler wing van (Plate No. KBC 9341) at the Port Area. Inside, authorities discovered around 300 master cases of assorted cigarettes suspected to have been smuggled into the city.
The driver, a 42-year-old resident of Barangay San Jose Cawa-Cawa, was immediately taken into custody for questioning. All confiscated items were turned over to the CIDMU-SIU for documentation and the preparation of charges, which are expected to include violations under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022).
The operation followed the Interim Guidelines on Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES), with RMU9 assisting in inventorying the seized goods and coordinating with the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the teams involved, emphasizing the broader economic impact of smuggling. “This is not just a simple seizure—this is about protecting our economy and our people. When smuggled goods enter, our farmers, businessmen, and the public lose. This fight continues,” he said.
PNP Spokesperson PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño echoed the significance of the operation. “Stopping these activities directly impacts our communities. We are cutting off the resources that fuel illegal networks, and the public can be assured that we will not relent in this fight,” he stated.
Authorities have vowed to continue the investigation to identify other individuals and networks involved in the illicit shipment. The operation forms part of the government’s broader campaign under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and prevent economic sabotage at its source.