ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized approximately 6,650 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱7.62 million during a seaborne patrol operation in the waters off Barangay Sinunuc here early Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Personnel of the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station, in coordination with the Regional Special Operations Team (RSOT) and other government agencies, conducted the maritime patrol when they reportedly spotted several unidentified individuals unloading boxes believed to contain smuggled cigarettes from an unmarked watercraft.
The individuals allegedly fled toward Sinunuc Highway after authorities approached the area to conduct an inspection, leaving behind the boxes containing cigarette products bearing the brands Cannon Mentol 100s and New Berlin.
Authorities subsequently inspected the abandoned cargo and found that the cigarette products allegedly did not carry the required standard graphic health warnings. Police said this constitutes a violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires tobacco products sold or distributed in the Philippines to carry prescribed graphic health warnings.
Aside from the cigarette shipment, authorities also seized a white-and-green unmarked watercraft, reportedly valued at approximately ₱700,000, which was allegedly used in transporting the seized cargo.
The total value of the suspected smuggled cigarettes was placed at approximately ₱7,620,900, according to the initial inventory conducted by authorities.
The seizure comes amid continuing enforcement efforts against the illicit movement of tobacco products through coastal and maritime routes in Zamboanga City, an area where its extensive coastline and proximity to international sea routes have made maritime law enforcement a critical component of anti-smuggling operations.
Authorities, however, have yet to identify or apprehend the individuals who allegedly abandoned the cargo. The circumstances surrounding the ownership and intended destination of the cigarettes remain subject to further investigation.
The confiscated cigarette products and the unmarked watercraft were brought to the Regional Maritime Unit 9 headquarters in Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City, where the evidence was documented and inventoried for proper disposition.
The seized items will also be referred to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in connection with the reported violation of Republic Act No. 10643 and for the appropriate regulatory proceedings.
Authorities have not announced any final determination on the legality, ownership, or source of the cigarette shipment. The products remain suspected smuggled cigarettes pending the completion of the investigation and the appropriate proceedings.