ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines — A man was arrested and 20 master cases of assorted illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱1.146 million were seized during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Poblacion, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO) in collaboration with the Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station and other police units, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Police said the operation formed part of continuing efforts to intensify intelligence-led enforcement against cigarette smuggling and other illicit activities in the province.
The operation resulted in the arrest of an adult male, whose identity was not immediately disclosed by authorities, and the confiscation of a total of 20 master cases of assorted illicit cigarettes.
Authorities placed the estimated market value of the seized cigarette shipment at ₱1,146,000.
Following the operation, the arrested individual and the confiscated cigarette products were brought to the Malangas Municipal Police Station (MPS) for temporary custody.
The seized items and the arrested person were subsequently set for turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and the filing or determination of appropriate proceedings under existing customs and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
The operation highlights the role of intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination in efforts to disrupt the movement and distribution of illicit tobacco products.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the ZSBPPO, underscored the need for sustained intelligence-driven enforcement and close coordination among government agencies in addressing smuggling.
“We will continue to strengthen our intelligence-driven operations and coordination with our partner law enforcement agencies to curb smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine our local economy,” Dasugo said.
He also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspected illicit activities to the appropriate authorities.
The police said continued operations and coordination with partner agencies will be pursued as part of efforts to prevent the entry and distribution of smuggled goods in Zamboanga Sibugay.