ALICIA, Zamboanga Sibugay — Police arrested two male suspects and confiscated 250 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱9.85 million during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Tandiong Muslim, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, which began on October 23 and concluded in the early hours of October 24, 2026.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of two closed vans allegedly used to transport the cigarette shipment, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Authorities placed the confiscated cigarettes and other seized items under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for proper disposition and further investigation.
The seizure represents the bulk of the contraband valued at ₱10,565,640 confiscated by police in separate anti-smuggling and illegal-trade operations in Isabela and Zamboanga Sibugay during the two-day period. However, the Alicia operation accounted for ₱9.85 million of the total reported value.
The PNP said its campaign against smuggling and illicit trade aims to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard consumers, and prevent illegal commercial activities from undermining government revenues and public safety.
“Enforcing the law against smuggling and illicit trade protects legitimate businesses, safeguards consumers, and reinforces accountability in the movement of goods,” the PNP said in a statement attributed to its chief.
The police organization added that its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework, supports intensified enforcement against illicit trade and the unauthorized movement of goods.
The operation forms part of the PNP’s broader campaign against smuggling and other illegal commercial activities under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about the identities of the arrested suspects, the origin and intended destination of the cigarette shipment, or the specific charges that may be filed against them.
The two suspects remain subject to the legal process, and the allegations against them have yet to be resolved in court.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws against illicit trade and ensuring accountability in the transportation and distribution of goods.