ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized an estimated ₱5.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an early-morning police operation in Barangay Arena Blanco on Monday, November 2, but the individuals believed to be handling the shipment managed to escape.
The operation was carried out at around 3:40 a.m. at a port area along Lapu-Lapu Drive through the joint efforts of personnel from the Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (ZCPS6) and Zamboanga City Police Station 12 (ZCPS12).
According to the police, operatives conducting casing and monitoring in the area spotted several still-unidentified individuals carrying and unloading boxes at the port.
However, the individuals reportedly noticed the approaching authorities and immediately fled in different directions, abandoning the suspected contraband. No arrests were made during the operation.
Police recovered a total of 80 master cases containing cigarettes of various brands. Authorities estimated the market value of the seized products at approximately ₱5.2 million.
The cigarettes were brought to the ZCPS12 station for proper documentation and safekeeping while authorities prepare the appropriate disposition of the seized items and coordinate with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The seizure highlights the continuing challenge posed by the illegal movement of untaxed and suspected smuggled tobacco products through coastal and port areas. Such operations deprive the government of potential tax revenues and may indicate the existence of organized distribution networks operating beyond the individuals directly involved in transporting the goods.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing to determine the identities of those who abandoned the shipment, as well as the alleged owners, senders, and other individuals who may be connected to the cigarettes.
Authorities are also expected to coordinate with the BOC to establish the origin and legal status of the recovered products and determine possible violations of customs and other applicable laws.
No suspects had been identified or taken into custody as of the latest police report.