SALUG, Zamboanga del Norte — Police arrested a 47-year-old man and seized more than ₱4.1 million worth of undocumented cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Canawan, Salug, Zamboanga del Norte, on September 1, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to curb cigarette smuggling and the illegal tobacco trade in the region.
Personnel of the Salug Municipal Police Station (MPS) were conducting a random checkpoint at Purok Kalauman, Barangay Canawan, at around 9:30 p.m. when they flagged down a Nissan Livina for routine verification and inspection.
A subsequent inspection of the vehicle led police to discover a large quantity of cigarettes allegedly lacking the required documentation. Authorities recovered 525 reams of Berlin cigarettes and 524 reams of Champion cigarettes, for a combined total of 1,049 reams.
The confiscated tobacco products were placed at an estimated value of ₱4,133,060, based on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Standard Price.
The driver, a 47-year-old male resident of Zamboanga City, was arrested in connection with the seizure. Police said he is being held for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, subject to further investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
Both the seized cigarettes and the Nissan Livina used to transport them are now under the custody of the Salug MPS pending proper disposition. Police said coordination with concerned government agencies will be undertaken as the case progresses.
The operation highlights the role of checkpoint and inspection activities in intercepting the movement of undocumented tobacco products along transport routes in Zamboanga del Norte. Authorities have continued to use intelligence-driven operations, checkpoints and coordination with other government agencies to prevent the distribution of illicit and undocumented cigarettes.
Police Brigadier General Elmer E. Ragay, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), commended the personnel involved in the operation for their vigilance and commitment to law enforcement.
Ragay also underscored the importance of sustaining police operations against illegal activities, particularly those involving smuggling and illicit trade that can undermine legitimate businesses and government revenues.
PRO 9 said it will continue strengthening its campaign against smuggling, illegal trade and other forms of criminality across the region through intensified law enforcement operations and strategic partnerships with other government agencies.
The regional police office said these efforts are being pursued in line with the Chief, PNP’s mantra: “Sa Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
Authorities emphasized that the latest seizure forms part of their continuing efforts to uphold the rule of law and contribute to a safer, more secure and economically stable Region 9.