ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 25-year-old man was arrested while more than P3.24 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and a vehicle believed to have been used in transporting the contraband were seized during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City on June 13, 2026.
The operation was carried out by joint operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit, Police Station 7 of the Zamboanga City Police Office, and the Bureau of Customs Region IX.
Authorities conducted the follow-up operation in Purok Shalom, Barangay San Roque, where they uncovered 22 master cases of smuggled cigarettes and a white minivan suspected of being used in the illegal transport and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.
The arrested suspect, a Filipino male, was taken into custody while authorities conducted an inventory of the confiscated items. The total estimated value of the seized cigarettes and vehicle was pegged at P3,249,887.52.
Law enforcement officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating in Western Mindanao and to curb the proliferation of illegally imported tobacco products in local markets.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the concerned authorities while appropriate charges are being prepared. The confiscated evidence has been turned over to the proper agencies for further investigation and legal proceedings.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating teams for their vigilance and coordination, stressing that the campaign against smuggling remains a top priority of the national police force.
“Walang puwang ang smuggling sa ating komunidad. These successful operations show how coordination and discipline produce real results on the ground,” Nartatez said.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against economic crimes, emphasizing that such efforts help protect the country’s economy, preserve government revenues, and ensure fair competition for legitimate businesses.