ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized more than ₱6.3 million worth of smuggled imported cigarettes during a late-night law enforcement operation in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illicit trade and smuggling.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 9 (CIDG RFU 9), through the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit, carried out the operation at around 9:34 p.m. on March 11, 2026. The team was joined by personnel from Zamboanga City Police Station 11 and coordinated closely with the Bureau of Customs Region 9, particularly its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).
The joint operation led to the discovery of a large cache of smuggled cigarettes stored inside an unfinished structure in Barangay Sta. Barbara that authorities believe was being used as a storage facility for illicit tobacco products.
Seized from the site were 73 master cases of various imported cigarette brands, including Black Hawk, Oris, Green Hill, L3, and Samson. The total estimated market value of the confiscated cigarettes was placed at ₱6,364,831.
However, the individual reportedly linked to the storage facility was not present during the operation. Authorities are currently conducting further investigation to identify the persons responsible and determine possible charges that may be filed in connection with the smuggling activity.
Law enforcement officials said the operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified efforts under its Focused Agenda, particularly the program on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which aims to address environmental violations, smuggling, and other forms of illegal trade across the country.
The crackdown also supports the broader national campaign against illicit trade being pushed by the government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which seeks to protect communities, strengthen the rule of law, and safeguard state revenues.
Police authorities emphasized that smuggling activities, particularly involving tobacco products, pose serious risks not only to public health but also to government revenues due to tax evasion and the circulation of unregulated goods in the market.
Officials described the confiscation as a significant step in dismantling illegal tobacco distribution networks operating in the region.
“This accomplishment is more than just a seizure,” authorities said in a statement. “It is a victory for the Filipino people by protecting public health from unregulated tobacco products, securing government revenues, and defending communities from criminal profiteering.”
The operation was conducted under the nationwide anti-smuggling campaign ordered by Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander A. Morico II, reinforcing the police force’s commitment to combating illegal trade.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected smuggled tobacco products in their communities, emphasizing that public cooperation remains crucial in curbing illicit activities.
“The CIDG stands firm,” the statement added. “We are relentless against violators, resolute in enforcing the law, and unwavering in our mission to protect the nation.”