ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities recovered an estimated ₱3.847 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after a seaborne operation along the shoreline of Barangay Campo Islam early Monday, October 19, following a tip about the unloading of alleged contraband from a motorboat.
Personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2nd ZCMFC) “Seaborne,” in coordination with the Regional Special Operations Unit 9 (RID9-RSOU9) and Zamboanga City Police Station 13 (Baliwasan), conducted the operation at the shoreline of Stanvac, Barangay Campo Islam, at approximately 2:57 a.m.
According to the police, RID9-RSOU9 received information from a confidential informant regarding the presence of suspected smuggled cigarettes in the coastal area. Acting on the report, the operating team immediately proceeded to verify the information and found individuals unloading cigarettes from a motorboat.
However, upon noticing the presence of law enforcement personnel, the boat’s crew reportedly fled in an unknown direction, abandoning the cigarettes and their motorboat at the scene. No arrests were reported in connection with the operation.
An inventory conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Port of Zamboanga, yielded 25 master cases and 35 reams of cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱3,847,855.
The recovered cigarettes and the motorboat were subsequently transported to the headquarters of the 2nd ZCMFC “Seaborne” along R.T. Lim Boulevard for documentation and further investigation.
Authorities said the seized cigarettes would be formally turned over to the BOC, Port of Zamboanga, for proper disposition in accordance with applicable customs laws and regulations.
The operation was led by PLT Lanz L. Danglapen under the supervision of PLTCOL Cristopher L. Navida, force commander of the 2nd ZCMFC, in coordination with the participating police units and the Bureau of Customs.
The recovery highlights continuing law enforcement efforts to curb the movement of suspected smuggled goods through coastal communities in Zamboanga City, where maritime routes can be exploited to transport and distribute contraband.
Authorities have yet to identify the individuals who abandoned the motorboat and its cargo. Further investigation is expected to establish the ownership and origin of the cigarettes, identify those responsible, and determine any potential violations of customs and other applicable laws.
The 2nd ZCMFC “Seaborne” and its partner agencies reiterated their commitment to strengthening coastal security and intensifying operations against smuggling in the city.
The individuals involved remain unidentified, and the cigarettes are described as suspected smuggled goods pending the appropriate investigation and determination by authorities.