ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities arrested two suspects and seized some PHP25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation along R.T. Lim Boulevard in Barangay Baliwasan on Monday morning, July 7, 2025.
Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., chief of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the arrested individuals as Vicente Garcia, 33, the driver, and Mhadzfar Muharram, 37, the truck helper.
Personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2ZCMFC) intercepted the suspects at around 7:40 a.m. while conducting routine checkpoint operations in the area.
According to Fortaleza, the police flagged down an enclosed van for inspection. “A routine inspection revealed the vehicle had no valid documents. The driver displayed evasive behavior, which led to his admission that the vehicle contained boxes of cigarettes,” he said.
The smuggled cigarettes were reportedly sourced from Sulu province and had just arrived in the city when intercepted.
Authorities are now coordinating with the Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga for the proper turnover and disposal of the seized contraband.
Charges related to smuggling and violations of customs laws are expected to be filed against the suspects.