ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — More than ₱7.2 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes were intercepted by authorities during a checkpoint operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Barangay San Jose Gusu on March 2, 2026.
Operatives from the 904th Maneuvering Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 under the Philippine National Police flagged down a white van at around 9:51 a.m. while conducting routine inspection along the checkpoint.
During the inspection, police discovered dozens of boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes loaded inside the vehicle. Authorities immediately secured the cargo and conducted an inventory in coordination with an examiner from the Bureau of Customs.
The inventory confirmed the seizure of 56 master cases of cigarettes believed to have been illegally imported. These included 28 master cases of the New Berlin brand and 26 master cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes. The total estimated value of the confiscated items was placed at ₱7,280,673.12.
Authorities said the driver of the van failed to present proper documents proving the legal importation and transport of the cigarette products, prompting law enforcers to confiscate the shipment along with the vehicle used in transporting the goods.
The seized cigarettes and the vehicle are now under the custody of authorities as investigators prepare the necessary documentation and legal proceedings that may lead to the filing of appropriate charges related to smuggling and violations of customs and tax laws.
PNP Chief, Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated action that led to the successful interception of the contraband.
“Hindi tayo papayag na gamitin ang ating mga kalsada para sa smuggling. These illegal activities deprive the government of much-needed revenue and undermine legitimate businesses,” Nartatez said.
He added that intensified checkpoint operations across the country form part of the police force’s continuing efforts to curb illegal trade and protect national interests.
“Our intensified checkpoint operations are part of our firm commitment to protect our borders and support the national government’s campaign against all forms of smuggling. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang ating pagbabantay,” he added.
The PNP said the operation is in line with its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, which strengthens intelligence-driven and coordinated field actions in support of the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities affecting the country’s economy.