ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities recovered 385 reams of cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱1.15 million during a joint coastal anti-smuggling operation along the shoreline of Miramar Flamingo in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2nd ZCMFC) “Seaborne,” led by PLT Marc Angelo D. Dipasupil under the direct supervision of PLTCOL Joel A. Senogat Jr., Force Commander, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 9–Regional Special Operations Unit 9 (RID9-RSOU9) and Zamboanga City Police Station 8 (Sinunuc).
According to authorities, the joint law enforcement team conducted the operation as part of intensified efforts to monitor coastal areas and prevent the movement of smuggled goods through maritime routes.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 385 reams of BOSQU cigarettes, which authorities placed at an estimated market value of ₱1,150,000.
Also recovered was a gold/yellow-colored motorboat marked “ARNAIZA,” which authorities said was believed to be associated with the recovered cigarette shipment.
The discovery highlights the continued use of coastal and maritime routes as possible entry and transport points for illicit goods, prompting law enforcement units to strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations along Zamboanga City’s extensive shoreline.
Following the operation, the recovered cigarettes and motorboat were brought to the headquarters of the 2nd ZCMFC-Seaborne for proper documentation, inventory and safekeeping.
Authorities said the recovered items will subsequently be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Port of Zamboanga, for appropriate disposition in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations governing seized and suspected smuggled goods.
The operation forms part of the continuing efforts of the police and partner agencies to strengthen coastal security and disrupt the movement of contraband in Zamboanga City.
While the cigarettes were described by authorities as allegedly smuggled, their final legal classification and disposition will be determined through the appropriate procedures of the Bureau of Customs and other concerned authorities.
The 2nd ZCMFC “Seaborne” and its partner units vowed to sustain coordinated coastal enforcement operations, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to the clandestine movement of goods, as authorities intensify the campaign against smuggling and other maritime-related illegal activities.