SIAY, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities intercepted more than ₱22 million worth of suspected illicit cigarettes and arrested four individuals during a joint maritime law enforcement operation in the municipal waters of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, early Friday, July 3, in what police described as another major blow against the country’s illegal tobacco trade.
The operation, carried out by the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group’s Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station (ZS MARPSTA) under the Regional Maritime Unit 9, was conducted in coordination with local police units and partner law enforcement agencies following intelligence reports about the alleged transport of smuggled cigarettes by sea.
Authorities intercepted a motorized pump boat suspected of transporting contraband and discovered 375 master cases of assorted illicit cigarettes onboard.
The confiscated cigarette shipment has an estimated value of ₱21,487,500, while the seized motorized pump boat used to transport the cargo is valued at around ₱800,000, bringing the total estimated value of the recovered items to ₱22.29 million.
Police arrested four adult Filipino male suspects after they allegedly failed to present permits or any legal documents proving the lawful transport, ownership, and possession of the cigarette shipment.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights before being placed under police custody.
Following the seizure, authorities conducted an inspection of the cargo, confirming that the individuals could not produce the required documentation to establish the legality of the shipment.
The suspects, together with the confiscated cigarettes and the seized vessel, are now under the custody of the Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Authorities are preparing complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, as well as Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law. Investigators are also conducting further validation and case build-up to determine the origin, intended destination, and possible syndicates behind the shipment.
Police added that the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) will conduct the official verification and appraisal of the confiscated cigarette products to establish their final market value and determine whether they are counterfeit or smuggled tobacco products.
The operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against smuggling and other economic crimes under its Focused Agenda, particularly through enhanced police operations aimed at protecting legitimate industries and preventing the loss of government revenues due to illicit trade.
Authorities said the successful interdiction also supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and intensify law enforcement efforts against smuggling activities that threaten the country’s economy.
The PNP-Maritime Group reiterated its commitment to sustaining maritime patrols and intelligence-driven operations across the country’s coastal areas to curb the illegal transport of smuggled goods and dismantle criminal networks operating along Philippine waters.