ALICIA, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities seized more than ₱1.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested a male suspect during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation conducted in the early hours of March 3 in Barangay Poblacion, police reported.
The operation was carried out at around 1:30 a.m. in Purok Dancing Lady by joint operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Alicia Municipal Police Station (MPS).
According to police reports, the coordinated operation led to the arrest of an adult male resident of Barangay Poblacion, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, who was allegedly caught in possession of large quantities of smuggled cigarettes believed to have been transported through coastal routes.
Authorities confiscated several boxes of assorted cigarette brands believed to have been illegally imported. The seized items included:
- 13 master cases, 19 reams, and 13 packs of Astro cigarettes
- 12 master cases of Stone Menthol cigarettes
- 6 master cases and 38 reams of Capital Menthol cigarettes
In total, law enforcers recovered 31 master cases, 57 reams, and 13 packs of various cigarette brands. The confiscated products have an estimated market value of ₱1,843,112.
Also recovered during the operation was a pump boat painted in a blue and yellow color combination, which authorities believe was used to transport the contraband cigarettes into the area.
Police said the arrested suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Alicia Municipal Police Station for temporary custody and documentation.
Authorities added that the seized cigarettes and the boat are expected to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and further investigation, as smuggling of tobacco products violates customs and tax laws.
The operation forms part of the intensified campaign of law enforcement agencies against the illegal trade of smuggled tobacco products, which authorities say undermines government tax revenues and fuels illicit trade in coastal areas of western Mindanao.
Police are also looking into possible links to a wider smuggling network operating in the region, particularly along coastal municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay and nearby provinces.