AUTHORITIES seized approximately P5.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City in an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation occurred Monday, May 19, 2025, police reported Tuesday.
Police Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, said the contraband was seized around 10:20 p.m. in the mangrove area of Sitio Logoy Diutay, Talon-Talon village.
Fortaleza stated that 101 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at P5,787,300, were confiscated.
No arrests were made, as the suspected owner of the smuggled goods was not present when authorities arrived.
The seized cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper handling.
The joint operation involved the Regional Intelligence Division-9, Zamboanga City Police Station 6, and Task Force Zamboanga, in coordination with the BOC. (SunStar Zamboanga)