ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted a van loaded with millions of pesos worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Campo Islam, Zamboanga City, in a major anti-smuggling operation led by the Philippine National Police.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC) “Seaborne” under the supervision of PLTCOL Joel A. Senogat Jr., in coordination with the Zamboanga City Police Station 11 (Central) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Police were conducting a fixed checkpoint when they flagged down a suspicious blue-grey Mitsubishi closed van driven by a 33-year-old Filipino male. Accompanying him was a 31-year-old Filipino male serving as the vanman.
During the routine inspection, officers noticed several boxes visible inside the vehicle, prompting them to conduct further verification. Authorities said the driver initially acted evasively when questioned but later admitted that the van was transporting cigarettes.
When the companion voluntarily opened the cargo area, police discovered 40 master cases of alleged smuggled WALTON Menthol cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle.
According to authorities, the suspects failed to present any importation documents, customs clearance, invoices, or other legal papers proving the lawful transport and possession of the cigarettes.
The Bureau of Customs initially estimated the value of the seized contraband at approximately ₱5.99 million, while the final inventory and official valuation will be completed after the BOC conducts its inventory and labeling process.
In addition to the suspected smuggled cigarettes, authorities also confiscated the Mitsubishi closed van believed to have been used in transporting the illegal cargo.
Following the operation, the confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. Meanwhile, the two arrested individuals were placed under the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for documentation, further investigation, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges for alleged violations of customs and anti-smuggling laws.
Authorities said the successful interception highlights the intensified efforts of the 2nd ZCMFC “Seaborne,” Zamboanga City Police Station 11, and the Bureau of Customs to curb the illegal entry and distribution of smuggled goods in the region.
Law enforcement officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to combat smuggling, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues from illicit trade.