ZAMBOANGA CITY — A series of intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations by the Philippine National Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) has led to the seizure of more than ₱14.1 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of suspects in Zamboanga City from April 13 to April 15, 2026.
The coordinated operations, carried out in multiple locations across the city, underscore what police officials described as a sustained campaign to dismantle illegal smuggling networks operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby areas, including the Province of Sulu.
The first operation took place at around 10:20 p.m. on April 13 along MCLL Highway in Barangay Mercedes. Operatives from Zamboanga City Police Station 4, in coordination with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes and arrested a 17-year-old suspect. Authorities confiscated 2,720 reams of assorted cigarettes valued at approximately ₱7.99 million, along with a vehicle estimated at ₱700,000.
Two days later, at about 10:00 p.m. on April 15, a follow-up operation led by the Regional Intelligence Division 9 and Zamboanga City Police Station 5 resulted in the interception of a delivery truck carrying additional contraband. Seized during the operation were 784 reams of cigarettes worth around ₱2.22 million, as well as a truck valued at ₱1.5 million. The driver was taken into police custody and is currently undergoing proper legal processing.
In a separate early morning operation at around 3:30 a.m. the same day, joint elements from the City Intelligence Unit, Zamboanga City Police Station 12, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 conducted a raid along Isla Verde, Chonga Drive in Barangay Talon-Talon. Authorities recovered 41 master cases of “Bosqu” cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱1.74 million. The suspects, however, managed to flee the scene, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
All confiscated items from the three operations have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper inventory, documentation, and disposition.
Police Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates commended the operating units for their coordinated and persistent efforts, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to curbing illicit trade.
He said the successful operations highlight the police force’s determination to dismantle smuggling syndicates that threaten economic stability and public security. He added that authorities will continue to intensify intelligence operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to ensure accountability among those involved in illegal activities.
PRO 9 reiterated that anti-smuggling efforts will remain aggressive and sustained, aligned with the broader directive to uphold the rule of law and protect national economic interests. The police also assured the public of continued vigilance in maintaining peace and order across the region under its guiding principle of delivering fast, honest, and felt public service.
Authorities continue to pursue leads to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the illegal cigarette trade as part of ongoing efforts to secure communities across western Mindanao.