PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Police authorities seized 39 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱2,234,700 during a joint intelligence operation in Barangay Bomba, Pagadian City, on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Intelligence Unit (ZSPIU), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 9 and the 902nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, following information about a pump boat allegedly carrying smuggled tobacco products.
According to the police account, authorities received a tip regarding the suspected shipment and immediately proceeded to investigate. However, upon reaching the area, they were unable to locate the four unidentified individuals reportedly aboard the pump boat. The suspects had apparently left before the operating personnel arrived, leaving the suspected contraband behind.
A subsequent inspection led to the recovery of 39 master cases of cigarettes, consisting of 24 master cases of white YS-brand cigarettes and 15 master cases of red YS-brand cigarettes.
Authorities placed the total estimated value of the seized tobacco products at ₱2.234 million, making the operation another significant interception of suspected illicit cigarette shipments in Zamboanga del Sur.
The recovered cigarettes were initially brought to the ZSPIU office for documentation and safekeeping before being turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Pagadian City Satellite Office for proper custody and disposition.
The four unidentified individuals reportedly linked to the shipment were not apprehended during the operation. Further investigation may be necessary to establish the ownership and intended destination of the seized cigarettes and identify those responsible for transporting them.
The seizure highlights continuing law enforcement efforts against the movement of suspected smuggled tobacco products, which may undermine government revenue collection and legitimate trade.
Authorities have yet to provide further details regarding the identities of the individuals involved or whether additional operations are being planned in connection with the recovered shipment.