ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines — Authorities seized 750 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱877,500 and arrested one individual during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Baluno, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, on September 28, 2026.
Personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Naga Municipal Police Station, 5th Special Operations Unit, Philippine Tobacco Institute, and Regional Special Operations Team of Regional Maritime Unit 9, conducted the operation following information about the alleged unloading of illegal cigarettes in the area.
Authorities intercepted the suspect while the individual was reportedly transporting 750 reams of San Marino White Cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱877,500.
The operation was conducted in connection with an alleged violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which governs the required health warnings on tobacco products.
Following the seizure, the arrested individual and the confiscated cigarettes were brought to the Zamboanga Sibugay MARPSTA for documentation, proper disposition and the preparation of the necessary charges.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of maritime and police authorities against the movement and distribution of allegedly illegal tobacco products in the province.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about the suspect or the possible source and intended destination of the confiscated cigarettes.