ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized 180 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱10.53 million and arrested one individual during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation in Zamboanga City on the night of October 12, 2026.
The operation was conducted in Sitio Catumbal, Barangay Culianan, as part of intensified law enforcement efforts to curb the illegal entry and distribution of smuggled tobacco products in the country.
Aside from the suspected contraband, authorities confiscated a closed van believed to have been used to transport the cigarettes. The vehicle was among the items secured during the operation as investigators moved to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling activity.
The operation involved personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit, Police Station 4 and the City Mobile Force Company of the Zamboanga City Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Regional Office 9.
The coordinated effort brought together police and customs authorities to address suspected smuggling activities and prevent illegally imported goods from entering commercial circulation.
The arrested individual is currently under the custody of the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit for proper disposition. Authorities are documenting the confiscated cigarettes and vehicle and undertaking the necessary procedures to prepare the case in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating smuggling, noting that the illegal trade in goods can undermine legitimate businesses and deprive the government of lawful tax revenues.
“Kapag may smuggling, naaapektuhan ang mga negosyanteng sumusunod sa batas at nagbabayad ng tamang buwis. Kaya mahalaga ang pagtutulungan natin para mapigilan ang ganitong gawain at mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mga lehitimong negosyo,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief’s statement underscored the economic implications of smuggling, particularly its potential impact on businesses that comply with import regulations and tax obligations. Authorities have continued to highlight coordinated enforcement as a means of addressing illegal trade and protecting lawful commercial activities.
The operation also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement and promote accountability. It is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for coordinated and purposeful police action against unlawful activities.
The seizure in Barangay Culianan highlights the role of joint police and customs operations in disrupting suspected smuggling activities. Further legal proceedings will depend on the results of the documentation, investigation, and other procedures being undertaken by the authorities.
Authorities have yet to disclose additional details about the arrested individual or the origin and intended destination of the seized cigarettes. The cigarettes remain classified as suspected smuggled goods pending the appropriate verification and legal proceedings.