Authorities in Zamboanga City have intercepted a significant shipment of contraband tobacco valued at approximately P1.6 million. The successful operation, which culminated in a vehicle chase, highlights ongoing efforts to curb smuggling activities in the region.
Chase Leads to Abandoned Contraband
The incident unfolded on the morning of Friday, January 2. Personnel from the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC Marpsta) were on a routine mobile patrol in Talon-Talon village when their attention was drawn to a suspicious van.
"Instead of stopping, the vehicle immediately sped away—a clear indication of illegal activity," the ZC Marpsta later stated. This prompted lawmen to initiate a pursuit, which ended in the nearby Baliwasan village around 7:40 a.m. where the suspects had abandoned the vehicle.
Illegal Shipment and Violations Uncovered
Upon inspecting the abandoned van, officers made a substantial discovery. The vehicle was loaded with 30 master cases containing various brands of smuggled cigarettes. A critical violation noted by the police was the absence of the mandated graphic health warnings on the tobacco products, constituting a breach of the Graphic Health Warnings in Tobacco Product Act.
Further investigation inside the vehicle yielded a crucial piece of evidence: a National Identification Card. The ID bears the identity of the driver, who goes by the alias "Jamar." Authorities are now actively searching for this individual in connection with the smuggling attempt.
Ongoing Investigation and Case Build-up
The Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station officially reported the seizure on Sunday, January 4. Both the confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle used in the illegal transport have been taken to the ZC Marpsta headquarters. There, they will undergo proper documentation and disposition as part of the standard procedure for building a case.
This operation underscores the vigilance of local maritime police units against the entry of smuggled goods, which undermine local economies and public health regulations. The pursuit of the suspect known as "Jamar" continues as the investigation progresses.
