PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Army, and other law enforcement agencies, recovered an estimated ₱6.9 million worth of alleged smuggled and untaxed cigarettes during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Muricay, Pagadian City, in the early hours of Thursday, July 16.
The operation was launched after authorities acted on verified intelligence information regarding the presence of suspected contraband in the area. Upon reaching the target location, law enforcement personnel discovered 40 master cases and 240 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes abandoned in a vacant lot.
Authorities said the recovered shipment consisted of various cigarette brands believed to have entered the country without the required customs duties and taxes. The cigarettes were immediately secured and subjected to an inventory in the presence of representatives from the Bureau of Customs and local government officials to ensure transparency and compliance with proper legal procedures.
Following the inventory, the recovered items were transported to police custody for documentation, safekeeping, and further disposition.
According to the Bureau of Customs’ initial assessment, the confiscated cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱6,908,000.
Investigators are now conducting an extensive follow-up investigation to determine the origin of the shipment, identify the individuals or groups behind the smuggling operation, and establish why the contraband was abandoned before authorities arrived.
Police officials said the operation underscores the continuing collaboration among law enforcement agencies in intensifying the government’s campaign against smuggling, an illegal activity that deprives the government of significant tax revenues and fuels illicit trade.
The successful recovery also aligns with the Enhanced Managing Police Operations pillar under the PNP’s Focused Agenda and supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the nationwide crackdown on smuggling and other forms of illegal trade.
PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated action that led to the recovery of the abandoned contraband. He emphasized that the PNP will continue working closely with partner agencies to dismantle smuggling networks and hold those responsible accountable.
“The success of this operation reflects the commitment of our law enforcement agencies to protect government revenues, enforce customs laws, and prevent illegal goods from entering the market,” the PNP said.
Authorities assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and that efforts are underway to trace the source of the shipment and identify all individuals involved.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to its campaign “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” stressing that responsive, intelligence-driven, and coordinated law enforcement operations will continue in support of the government’s fight against smuggling and other transnational crimes.