ZAMBOANGA CITY — A swift and disciplined early-morning operation by the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group (PNP-MG) led to the seizure of more than ₱1.7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and the recovery of an abandoned van following a hot pursuit in Zamboanga City on January 2, 2026.
At around 7:40 a.m., personnel of the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the 1st Special Operations Unit of the Maritime Group, were conducting a mobile patrol in the Talon-Talon area when they spotted a suspicious van. Instead of yielding to authorities, the vehicle sped away—prompting a coordinated pursuit that reflected operational restraint, precision, and adherence to protocol.
The chase ended in Baliawasan Grande, Barangay Baliawasan, where the van was found abandoned. A subsequent inspection revealed large quantities of cigarettes believed to be smuggled, notably lacking the required graphic health warnings mandated under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act.
Confiscated items included 12 master cases of BOSQU cigarettes, 13 master cases of FORT cigarettes, and five master cases of D&J cigarettes, along with an Alpine White Nissan Urvan bearing plate number GBI 8404. Authorities placed the total estimated value of the seized items at ₱1,719,000.00, pending verification by the National Tobacco Administration.
Investigators also recovered a National ID inside the vehicle, identifying the driver as a certain alias “Jamar,” who remains at large. All seized evidence was turned over to the Zamboanga City MARPSTA for proper documentation and disposition, while follow-up operations are underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Police officials stressed that the operation goes beyond the confiscation of illicit goods, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling—an activity that poses serious threats to public health, undermines the national economy, and endangers the security of coastal communities.
“This swift and successful operation is a testament to the dedication of PNP Maritime Group personnel to honest and responsive public service,” said PBGEN Lou F. Evangelista, Director of the Maritime Group. “We will not relent in enforcing the law against smuggling and other illegal activities that put public health and national security at risk. This is the Bagong PNP—professional, compassionate, and always ready to serve.”