ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — October 8, 2026 — Police arrested eight individuals and confiscated suspected smuggled cigarettes estimated to be worth ₱18.67 million during an anti-smuggling operation in Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 124 master cases and 35 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes, along with a motorized boat allegedly connected to the shipment.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to prevent illegal goods from reaching the market and protect legitimate businesses from illicit trade.
Police Intensify Anti-Smuggling Operations
Chief PNP Nartatez emphasized that combating smuggling requires sustained police operations, timely action on information received, and close coordination with concerned government agencies.
“We know that smuggling is not something we can address through one operation alone. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho natin—makinig sa impormasyon, kumilos agad, at makipag-ugnayan sa mga concerned agencies. We will keep doing our part to prevent these illegal goods from reaching the market,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation is consistent with its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) initiative, which aims to strengthen coordination, improve responsiveness in the field, and support effective law enforcement action.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the eight arrested individuals, the precise circumstances surrounding the shipment, or the specific charges they may face. The information provided also did not identify the source or intended destination of the cigarettes.
The seized cigarettes remain classified as suspected smuggled goods pending the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings.
Protecting Legitimate Trade
The PNP said its anti-smuggling campaign supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening law enforcement and protecting communities and legitimate businesses from illegal activities that undermine lawful commerce.
Police authorities will continue coordinating with relevant government agencies and local officials to address smuggling and related offenses.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to the campaign, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
Further details regarding the investigation into the seized cigarettes and the possible involvement of the arrested individuals in a broader smuggling operation have yet to be released.