ZAMBOANGA CITY | October 2, 2026
Authorities seized an estimated ₱112.6 million worth of imported cigarettes suspected to have been smuggled after uncovering a concealed underground storage bunker during a joint law enforcement operation in Sitio Tala, Barangay Boalan, Zamboanga City, on Thursday, October 1.
The operation, conducted under Oplan Megashopper, resulted in the recovery of approximately 704 master cases and 482 reams of imported cigarettes allegedly lacking the required importation and customs documentation. The seized products have an estimated total value of ₱112,686,535.37, according to the initial report.
The operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Zamboanga City Field Unit (CIDG-ZCFU), in coordination with the Bureau of Customs Regional Office IX (BOC RO IX), Police Station 5 of the Zamboanga City Police Office, the HSC 5th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), and the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company.
The Bureau of Customs contingent was led by LOT Abordo, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Region IX. The inspection and enforcement operation proceeded following the issuance of Bureau of Customs Letter of Authority No. 09-30-071-2026.
Hidden bunker reveals additional cigarette stocks
During the initial inspection, authorities discovered a storage room containing 367 master cases and 90 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
However, the inspection took a significant turn when operatives conducted a more thorough search of the premises and uncovered a concealed underground bunker containing an additional 337 master cases and 392 reams.
The discovery brought the total inventory to 704 master cases and 482 reams, exposing an apparent effort to conceal a substantial volume of imported cigarettes in a facility beneath the ground.
The presence of the underground storage area is a significant element of the investigation, as authorities now have to establish the origin of the cigarettes, the circumstances surrounding their storage, and the individuals or entities responsible for bringing the products into the country and keeping them at the site.
Customs laws cited in the operation
Authorities said the shipment appeared to violate existing trade and customs regulations, including provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The seized cigarettes are now under the custody of the Bureau of Customs Regional Office IX for inventory, examination, and final valuation.
The final assessment will help establish the official value of the confiscated products and support the appropriate enforcement and legal proceedings.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of the CIDG, the Bureau of Customs, and other law enforcement units against the movement and storage of suspected smuggled goods.
Authorities have yet to identify, in the information provided, the persons responsible for the shipment or disclose whether arrests have been made in connection with the discovery.