Zamboanga City, June 20, 2025 — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱43 million worth of imported cigarettes aboard two pumpboats intercepted off the coast of Zamboanga City on Wednesday, June 18.
In a statement released Friday, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) confirmed the seizure of the contraband during a seaborne anti-smuggling operation conducted by units of the Zamboanga City Police Office near Sta. Cruz Island.
Police Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo, Jr., PRO-9 Regional Director, said six crew members from the two pumpboats were detained for attempting to deliver the imported cigarettes to contacts within the city.
A total of 749 large boxes containing Fort White, Tradition, and Modern cigarette brands — all reportedly made in Indonesia — were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City for proper disposition.
According to police, the smuggled cigarettes are commonly routed through the waters of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi before being distributed to various seaside provinces and urban centers in Mindanao.
Also impounded during the operation were the two large pumpboats used in transporting the smuggled goods. These vessels are now in the custody of a police seaside detachment in Zamboanga City.
Authorities said the successful interception is part of ongoing efforts to crack down on smuggling operations in southern Philippine waters.