ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 continues to tighten its crackdown on illicit trade across the Zamboanga Peninsula, bolstering border security, maritime patrols, community-based intelligence, and aggressive enforcement actions against the persistent entry of smuggled cigarettes into the region. The intensified efforts yielded operational gain on December 7, 2025.
Seaborne Interception in Tukuran
At around 1:50 a.m., operatives of the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station, working closely with personnel of the Tukuran Municipal Police Station, conducted a sustained seaborne patrol at Yllana Bay, specifically in the waters of Barangay Militar, Tukuran.
During the operation, authorities intercepted a motorized wooden boat, locally known as a “tinanggo” or “subang-subang,” operated by a 49-year-old resident of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. Officers noted several boxes on board that appeared to contain contraband.
Upon approach and visual inspection, police found multiple master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes. The operator failed to present any documents to prove the legal transport of the items. Further verification revealed that the cigarette products lacked the mandatory graphic health warnings, constituting a violation of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act.
Contraband Seized
The maritime team confiscated:
- 4 master cases of Fort cigarettes — valued at ₱229,200.00
- 6 master cases of Astro cigarettes — valued at ₱343,800.00
- 1 motorized wooden watercraft — valued at ₱50,000.00
The total estimated value of seized items reached ₱623,000.00.
The suspect, along with the confiscated cigarettes and watercraft, was placed under police custody for proper documentation and turnover to concerned agencies.
Firm Stand Against Smuggling
The operation, led by PMAJ Benzar M. Mukarram, Station Chief of the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station, represents PRO 9’s unwavering commitment to disrupt smuggling networks that threaten economic integrity and fuel illegal trade in the region.
Authorities reaffirmed that these heightened maritime patrol operations will continue as part of the broader regional strategy to suppress smuggling activities, protect local industries, and uphold lawful commerce.
PRO 9 urges the public to remain vigilant and to report information related to smuggling, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the government’s anti-smuggling campaign.