LILOY, Zamboanga del Norte — Police arrested a 39-year-old suspected smuggler and seized approximately ₱2.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an early morning operation along the coastal waters of Barangay Timan in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, on September 25.
The operation, conducted at around 3:30 a.m., involved personnel of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit (ZNPIU), in coordination with the Liloy Municipal Police Station (MPS), following efforts to intercept suspected illicit trade activities along the province’s coastal areas.
Authorities intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes that had docked along the shoreline of Barangay Timan, leading to the arrest of the alleged shipment’s 39-year-old male handler, a resident of Purok Nangka, Barangay Culasian, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Police confiscated 44 cases of San Marino cigarettes, five cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes, and one white pump boat believed to have been used to transport the shipment.
Based on the Bureau of Customs’ Standard Price Index, the seized cigarettes have an estimated total value of ₱2,807,700, representing a significant seizure in the police campaign against suspected smuggling and illicit commercial activities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) Regional Director Police Brigadier General Elmer E. Ragay said the operation demonstrates the police force’s continuing commitment to suppress smuggling and other forms of illegal trade in the region.
He emphasized that PRO 9 would sustain intelligence-driven operations, improve coordination among police units and partner agencies, and maintain heightened vigilance along coastal communities and other possible entry points used for illicit shipments.
The latest seizure also highlights the importance of coastal monitoring and interagency cooperation in addressing suspected smuggling activities, particularly in areas where shipments can be brought ashore outside established commercial channels.
PRO 9 said it would continue strengthening its enforcement operations and strategic partnerships as part of its broader campaign against smuggling, illegal trade, and other criminal activities.
The regional police office said these efforts are aligned with the Chief of the Philippine National Police’s mantra, “Sa Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” which emphasizes responsive, honest, and accessible police service.
The operation drew congratulatory messages from individuals and police-related social media accounts, with commenters commending the ZNPIU and Liloy MPS for their vigilance and efforts to curb suspected smuggling in the area.
The arrested suspect and confiscated items are subject to the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the shipment’s origin, intended destination, and possible involvement of other individuals.