ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two men were arrested and 24 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱3,593,331.84 were intercepted during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City, early Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The operation was conducted from around 1:10 a.m. to 2:55 a.m. by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Regional Office IX and Police Station 9 of the Zamboanga City Police Office.
According to the report submitted to Police Major General Robert A.A. Morico II, Director of the CIDG, the operation resulted in the interception of a mini-van allegedly loaded with smuggled tobacco products.
The two male suspects, both of legal age, were reportedly caught while in possession and control of the cigarettes and while transporting the tobacco products without the pertinent documents required by the Bureau of Customs.
Authorities said the absence of the necessary customs documentation rendered the possession and transportation of the seized products unlawful, prompting the filing of appropriate proceedings under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Customs Law Enforcement
The CIDG said the operation forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to enforce customs and tariff laws and suppress the movement of untaxed and undocumented tobacco products.
RA 10863 seeks to modernize and streamline customs and tariff administration, improve revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen the government’s ability to prevent and suppress smuggling and other forms of customs fraud.
The CIDG emphasized that cigarette smuggling has significant economic implications because illicit tobacco products enter the market without passing through the regular customs process.
When imported tobacco products are brought into the country without proper declaration and payment of applicable duties and taxes, the government may lose revenues that would otherwise be collected through customs duties and the 12% value-added tax (VAT), among other applicable taxes and charges.
Authorities also pointed to the broader social and public-health implications associated with the circulation of illicit tobacco products.
CIDG Praises Zamboanga Operation
CIDG leadership commended Police Colonel Rafael D. Lero, Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 9, and the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Aurelio S. Domingo, for what it described as sustained vigilance and law enforcement efforts that led to the interception and confiscation.
The seized cigarettes and the apprehended suspects were placed under proper authorities for documentation and disposition, in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
The CIDG reiterated that it will continue coordinating with the Bureau of Customs and local police units in pursuing individuals and groups allegedly involved in the illegal transportation and distribution of smuggled tobacco products.
The agency said the operation is part of its continuing support for the government’s campaign against cigarette smuggling and other forms of economic activity that undermine lawful trade and government revenue.
Authorities are expected to establish through the appropriate legal proceedings the origin, ownership, and intended destination of the seized tobacco products, as well as the criminal liability of the arrested suspects.