AUTHORITIES arrested two individuals and seized P6.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Zamboanga City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC) Seaborne Unit intercepted a motorized boat carrying about 2,182 reams of smuggled cigarettes in the waters off Layag-Layag Island in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The two suspects, both residents of Barangay Rio Hondo, were arrested after they allegedly failed to present shipping or transport documents for the cargo.
The recovered shipment consisted of assorted cigarette brands, including Cannon, Berlin, and Bravo.
Nartatez has directed police units with coastal jurisdictions to intensify maritime and coastal patrol operations following the operation.
“I have directed all maritime and coastal police units to intensify seaborne patrols and focus not only on intercepting illegal shipments but also on identifying and filing cases against the financiers, organizers, and other personalities behind these smuggling operations. We will sustain intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the entire supply chain,” he said.
Nartatez said the PNP will continue to pursue individuals involved in smuggling, whether on land or at sea, and strengthen coordination with other government agencies to ensure everyone involved, from transporters to financiers, is held accountable.
He said smuggling undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of much-needed revenue. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)