LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — Police seized 45 master cases and 43 reams of cigarettes suspected to have been smuggled and arrested two men during an interception operation in Barangay Lantian, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on October 5, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 2:40 p.m. after personnel of the Labangan Municipal Police Station (MPS) received information regarding the alleged illegal transport of cigarette products through the area.
Acting on the report, police personnel monitored and intercepted a gray Toyota Hi-Ace Commuter van reportedly coming from Barangay Balimbingan. The vehicle was eventually stopped by responding personnel in Barangay Lantian for inspection.
Police said the two occupants were unable to present documents that could establish the legal ownership, acquisition, or transport of the cigarette shipment. The vehicle and its cargo were subsequently secured for verification and inventory, with the operation coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The inventory yielded 29 master cases of New Berlin cigarettes, 16 master cases of Fort cigarettes, and 43 reams of New Berlin Red cigarettes. Authorities also took custody of the van allegedly used to transport the cigarette products.
In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 45 master cases and 43 reams of cigarettes, which were turned over to the BOC for proper disposition and further action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The two suspects remain under the custody of the Labangan MPS while authorities pursue the appropriate legal proceedings.
The seizure highlights continuing law-enforcement efforts to curb the movement of untaxed or improperly documented tobacco products through local routes in Zamboanga del Sur. Authorities are expected to further determine the source, ownership, intended destination, and legal status of the seized cigarettes, as well as whether additional individuals may be linked to the shipment.
The case remains under investigation.