Lawmen Seize P7.7 Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes in Zamboanga Operations
In a significant crackdown on illegal trade, law enforcement authorities have confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P7.7 million in separate operations conducted in Zamboanga City and Lanao del Sur. The police announced these seizures on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, underscoring their ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities in the region.
Zamboanga City Operation Nets P7.2 Million in Contraband
According to police reports, the bulk of the seized contraband, worth P7.2 million, was intercepted in Zamboanga City. Personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Zamboanga Peninsula were manning a checkpoint in Barangay San Jose Gusu around 9:51 a.m. on Monday, March 2, when they flagged down a suspicious vehicle.
Upon inspection, lawmen discovered 54 master cases containing assorted smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated value of P7,280,673.12. No arrests were made during this operation, as the driver and other occupants managed to evade capture, leaving the vehicle behind.
Lanao del Sur Seizure Adds P427,500 to Total Haul
In a coordinated effort, police in Lanao del Sur, assisted by the 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB), seized an additional P427,500 worth of smuggled cigarettes on Tuesday, March 3. The operation took place in Barangay Baraas, Picong, following a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle at a checkpoint.
Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat, the Lanao del Sur police director, detailed that the 51IB alerted the Picong Municipal Council to the vehicle, which was subsequently intercepted by police. The unidentified driver had abandoned the vehicle, allowing authorities to recover 10 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.
Notably, the confiscated packs lacked the Graphic Health Warnings mandated by law, further indicating their illicit nature. The items are currently in the custody of the Picong Municipal Police Station, pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for further investigation and disposal.
Commendation for Inter-Agency Coordination
Police Colonel Cabuhat praised the effective collaboration between the Picong police and the 51st Infantry Battalion, highlighting how such partnerships enhance the efficiency of anti-smuggling operations. This joint effort demonstrates the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling organized crime and protecting public health and revenue.
The seizures in Zamboanga City and Lanao del Sur reflect a broader regional initiative to curb the flow of smuggled goods, which often evade taxes and regulatory standards. Authorities continue to monitor checkpoints and conduct operations to disrupt illegal trade networks, with these recent successes serving as a deterrent to would-be smugglers.
