ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against illegal smuggling over the weekend after authorities intercepted nearly ₱7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate law enforcement operations conducted in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur from August 1 to 2, 2026.
The successful operations resulted in the arrest of two suspects, including a 52-year-old individual, and the seizure of 122 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of ₱6,990,400.
Aside from the contraband, authorities also confiscated a vehicle and an unmarked motorized fishing boat believed to have been used in transporting the illegally imported cigarettes into the region.
The arrested suspects, along with the confiscated items, are now under police custody as authorities prepare the filing of appropriate criminal charges for violations of the country’s customs and anti-smuggling laws.
According to the PNP, the operations form part of its intensified nationwide drive against the illegal entry, transport, and distribution of smuggled goods, particularly tobacco products that continue to flood local markets.
Police officials emphasized that cigarette smuggling not only deprives the government of billions of pesos in tax revenues but also creates unfair competition against legitimate businesses that comply with customs regulations and tax laws.
The latest seizures were carried out under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations pillar of the PNP Focused Agenda, which supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security, dismantle smuggling networks, and suppress all forms of illegal trade across the country.
The Zamboanga Peninsula has remained one of the government’s priority areas in anti-smuggling operations due to its extensive coastline, which has long been exploited by syndicates for the clandestine transport of untaxed and illegally imported products.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, lauded the operating units for their coordinated and successful enforcement efforts, stressing that the campaign against smuggling extends beyond the seizure of illegal goods.
“Our fight against smuggling goes beyond confiscating illegal goods. It is about protecting the country’s economy, ensuring fair competition for legitimate businesses, and holding accountable those who choose to violate our laws,” Nartatez said.
He further assured the public that the PNP will continue strengthening its anti-smuggling operations while ensuring that every police action remains consistent with the rule of law and respects the rights of all individuals.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon habang tinitiyak na ang bawat aksyon ng ating kapulisan ay naaayon sa batas at may paggalang sa karapatan ng lahat,” he added.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to working closely with partner law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the country’s borders and disrupting the operations of smuggling syndicates that threaten economic stability and national security.
Authorities also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities involving the transport or distribution of suspected smuggled goods as part of the government’s continuing campaign to eliminate illegal trade in the country.