KALAWIT, Zamboanga del Norte — Two men were arrested after police seized 1,853 reams of suspected smuggled New Mega cigarettes during a late-night checkpoint operation in Barangay Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, authorities said.
The confiscated cigarettes were valued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at ₱7,152,580, based on the agency’s Standard Price Index.
The operation took place at around 11:50 p.m. on September 8, 2026, when personnel from the 2nd Platoon of the 2nd Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ZNPMFC), together with the Kalawit Municipal Police Station (MPS), flagged down a silver Nissan NV350 Urvan with plate number GAN 7637 at the Border Control Point in Barangay Gatas.
Police identified the arrested men as Elvin, 44, the alleged driver, and Hussam, 49, the alleged truckman, both residents of Barangay Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City.
According to the police report, officers noticed a modified compartment inside the vehicle, which reportedly resembled a concealment compartment previously discovered in another vehicle used to transport suspected smuggled cigarettes.
The occupants were questioned about the contents of the vehicle after police reportedly noticed what they considered suspicious behavior.
During the interaction, police said the two men allegedly attempted to offer the operating personnel ₱100,000 in cash in exchange for being allowed to pass through the checkpoint.
The attempt to allegedly bribe the officers failed.
Police said the two occupants subsequently admitted that cigarettes were concealed inside the modified compartment, prompting the authorities to conduct a more thorough inspection of the vehicle.
The inspection resulted in the discovery of 1,853 reams of suspected smuggled New Mega cigarettes.
The BOC later conducted the inventory and valuation of the seized cigarettes, placing their estimated value at ₱7,152,580.
The vehicle was also seized, while the two suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the Kalawit MPS for documentation, investigation and proper disposition in accordance with law.
The operation was led by PSMS Roy B. Daluz under the direct supervision of PLtCol. Edwin D. Verzon, Force Commander of the 2nd ZNPMFC.
Separate Zamboanga City seizure
The Kalawit operation was one of two separate anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte on September 8 that resulted in the seizure of cigarettes with a combined estimated value of ₱7,867,580, according to police.
Earlier that evening, at around 9:05 p.m., intelligence operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 12 (ZCPS12) recovered another shipment of suspected illicit cigarettes in Masipla, Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City.
Police said operatives conducting anti-criminality monitoring noticed several suspicious boxes in the area.
Upon inspection, the boxes were found to contain 13 master cases of D&J cigarettes, reportedly valued at approximately ₱55,000 per master case, for a total estimated value of ₱715,000.
No individual came forward to claim the shipment.
Initial police investigation indicated that the cigarettes were allegedly awaiting transport and distribution. Authorities said unidentified individuals reportedly fled after noticing the presence of police operatives.
The 13 master cases were taken to ZCPS12 for inventory and documentation before being turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Combined with the Kalawit seizure, the two operations resulted in the recovery of cigarettes with an estimated total value of ₱7,867,580.
PRO 9 lauds personnel who rejected alleged bribe
Police Brigadier General Elmer E. Ragay, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), emphasized the importance of vigilance and integrity among law enforcement personnel conducting checkpoint and anti-smuggling operations.
“This accomplishment reflects the vigilance and integrity of our personnel on the ground. PRO 9 will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and coordination with partner agencies to prevent the movement of smuggled and illegal goods across the region,” Ragay said.
He specifically commended the personnel involved in the Kalawit operation for remaining firm despite the alleged attempt to influence them with money.
“I commend our personnel for remaining firm and professional despite the attempt to influence them. Their actions show that integrity must always go hand in hand with effective law enforcement,” Ragay added.
PRO 9 initially documented the Kalawit incident as a possible violation of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, while the cigarette shipment recovered in Zamboanga City was documented for turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
The cases remain subject to the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings, with the suspects entitled to due process under Philippine law.