Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte — In a firm display of vigilance and commitment to public welfare, the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group (PNP–MG) intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a pre-dawn checkpoint operation in Dapitan City on January 13, 2026.
Operatives of the Zamboanga del Norte Maritime Police Station (ZDN–MARPSTA) conducted the checkpoint at around 1:30 a.m. as part of the intensified anti-smuggling campaign along key transport routes. The operation led to the discovery of illegally transported cigarettes aboard a Ceres Bus Liner unit traveling from Zamboanga City to Bacolod City.
During a routine visual and physical inspection, maritime police noticed several boxes inside the bus that appeared suspicious. With the consent of the bus conductor, the operatives opened the boxes and found them to contain Union cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings—a clear violation of existing laws and a strong indication of smuggling.
Initial investigation revealed that the boxes were loaded along the National Highway in Barangay Divisoria, Zamboanga City, by an unidentified individual who declared the contents as “assorted goods” bound for Bacolod City.
Authorities confiscated a total of 72 reams of Union cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱82,152.00. The seized items were immediately brought to the ZDN–MARPSTA office for proper documentation and disposition, and are set to be turned over to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for further investigation and possible legal action.
Police officials emphasized that the operation sends a strong warning to smugglers and illegal traders that no route is safe and no violation will go unnoticed.
“Smuggling is not a victimless crime. It deprives the government of vital tax revenues and exposes the public to unregulated products that pose serious health risks,” authorities stressed.
Under the leadership of PBGEN Lou F. Evangelista, Director of the Maritime Group, the PNP–MG continues to tighten security in ports, highways, and transit corridors nationwide to block the movement of contraband and protect the country’s economic and public health interests.
The successful operation reflects the core principles of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas, where law enforcement is not only visible, but felt by the people through real protection, accountability, and service.
As the government intensifies its war against smuggling and illicit trade, authorities reiterated their call for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and support efforts to keep communities safe and lawful.