Estimated ₱735,000 Worth of Contraband Seized
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur — A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the interception of a fishing vessel carrying smuggled cigarettes late evening of December 24, 2025, at Purok Lapu-Lapu, Barangay White Beach.
Joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Field Unit (CIDG ZDS PFU), Pagadian City Police Station, the 902nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) moved in following intelligence reports on illicit cigarette transport in the area.
Authorities apprehended a 24-year-old local resident who was caught in the act of hauling boxes of contraband aboard a docked fishing boat. Upon inspection, the cargo was found to contain cigarettes without BIR tax stamps — a violation of the Tax Reform Act of 1997 (RA 8424).
A total of 21 master cases and 30 reams of “New Berlin” cigarettes were confiscated, with an estimated market value of ₱735,000.
Police confirmed that the arrest was properly documented through body-worn cameras in line with operational protocols. The operation was conducted peacefully in the presence of barangay officials, with no unnecessary force or property loss reported.
The suspect is now under the custody of CIDG ZDS PFU for further investigation and the filing of charges. The seized items have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Pagadian City for proper disposition.
Authorities continue to crack down on cigarette smuggling, a persistent issue that deprives the government of tax revenue and fuels black-market distribution networks.
Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal trading or smuggling activities to the nearest police station or through official PNP hotlines.