PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities intercepted two wooden motorized pump boats carrying millions of pesos worth of alleged illicit cigarettes during a seaborne anti-smuggling operation off the coastal waters of Barangay Muricay, Pagadian City, in the early hours of June 14, 2026.
The operation was jointly conducted by operatives from the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), Regional Maritime Unit 9 (RMU-9), the 902nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-9), and local police units as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal transport and distribution of untaxed tobacco products in the region.
According to police reports, authorities intercepted the two vessels while conducting maritime patrol operations. A thorough inspection of the boats led to the discovery of 22 master cases containing assorted brands of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country without proper documentation and tax payments.
The confiscated cigarettes were estimated to have a market value of approximately ₱1,254,000.00.
Authorities immediately seized the cargo and secured the vessels for further investigation. Law enforcement officials are currently determining the origin and intended destination of the shipment, as well as identifying the individuals and groups behind the illegal operation.
Officials emphasized that the proliferation of illicit cigarettes not only deprives the government of significant tax revenues but also undermines legitimate businesses and fuels organized smuggling activities.
The seizure forms part of the government’s continuing campaign against the illegal tobacco trade, which remains a major concern in several coastal areas across Mindanao due to their vulnerability to maritime smuggling routes.
Police authorities vowed to intensify maritime patrols and strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry and distribution of contraband goods in the region.
The confiscated items have been turned over to the appropriate authorities for inventory, documentation, and the filing of possible charges against those responsible.