KABASALAN, Zamboanga Sibugay — What began as a police response to a reported hit-and-run incident ended in the confiscation of an estimated ₱401,100 worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of two individuals during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Cainglet, Kabasalan.
According to the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO), personnel of the Kabasalan Municipal Police Station (MPS) established a checkpoint at Purok A, Barangay Cainglet after receiving information from the Naga Municipal Police Station (MPS) regarding a gray Toyota Vios allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident.
While manning the checkpoint, police flagged down a gray Toyota Vios bearing Plate No. LAS 4478, driven by an adult male. Authorities said the vehicle matched the description provided by Naga MPS and also exhibited visible damage on its left-side mirror, consistent with the information relayed by responding officers.
Shortly afterward, personnel from Naga MPS arrived at the checkpoint and positively identified the vehicle as the same one reportedly involved in the earlier traffic accident.
During the verification process, police officers noticed several reams of cigarettes visibly placed on the vehicle’s rear floor mat. The occupants were asked to present documents proving the legality of the cigarettes, but they were reportedly unable to produce any supporting records.
Police then conducted a more thorough inspection of the vehicle in the presence of a barangay official to ensure transparency in the operation.
The inspection resulted in the discovery of 350 reams of suspected smuggled Walton Menthol cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle’s rear compartment. Based on the Bureau of Customs’ standard valuation, the seized cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱401,100.00.
Following the discovery, authorities arrested both the driver and his adult male companion for alleged violations related to the transport of smuggled goods. The confiscated cigarettes, the vehicle, and the two suspects are now under the custody of the Kabasalan MPS pending the filing of appropriate charges and further legal proceedings.
Police have not yet released the identities of the arrested individuals as of this writing.
The operation highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination, as what initially appeared to be a routine follow-up to a traffic incident ultimately exposed an alleged smuggling operation.
Police Colonel Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, commended the operating personnel for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift coordination that led to the successful interception.
“This operation demonstrates the importance of vigilance, coordination, and quick police response. What began as a follow-up on a hit-and-run incident resulted in the discovery of a significant volume of smuggled cigarettes. We commend the personnel of Kabasalan MPS and Naga MPS for their professionalism and alertness. ZSBPPO remains committed to intensifying anti-smuggling operations and ensuring that those who violate our laws are held accountable,” Dasugo said.
Authorities continue to investigate the origin and intended destination of the confiscated cigarettes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the entry and distribution of smuggled tobacco products in the province.
The latest seizure adds to a series of anti-smuggling operations across Mindanao, where law enforcement agencies have intensified checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven enforcement to combat the illegal trade of untaxed tobacco products, which deprives the government of significant revenue and undermines legitimate businesses.