PRO 9 Seizes Over ₱5.6 Million Worth of Suspected Smuggled Cigarettes
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — Police authorities in Western Mindanao seized and recovered more than ₱5.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in three separate operations conducted in Zamboanga City and Sulu on August 22 and 24, 2026.
The operations, carried out by various units of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), resulted in the recovery of a total of 42 master cases and 385 reams of suspected smuggled tobacco products, with a combined estimated market value of ₱5,685,971.
The largest seizure was made on August 24 at approximately 6:25 a.m. when personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC), in coordination with Zamboanga City Police Station 9 (ZCPS 9), conducted an operation in the vicinity waters of Zone 5, Barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City.
The operating team intercepted a motorized boat carrying two male individuals, aged 26 and 21, both reportedly residents of Zamboanga City.
An inventory of the boat's contents yielded 20 master cases of Champion cigarettes valued at approximately ₱3,081,792, and two master cases of Fort cigarettes worth around ₱308,179.
Based on the Daily Price Index of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Port of Zamboanga, the total estimated value of the suspected smuggled cigarettes reached ₱3,389,971.
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The confiscated cigarettes and motorized boat were turned over to the BOC Port of Zamboanga for proper disposition, while the two individuals were brought to ZCPS 9 for processing and temporary custody.
Meanwhile, on August 22 at around 8:55 a.m., personnel of the 2nd ZCMFC, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 9, Regional Special Operations Unit 9, and ZCPS 8, conducted a joint operation along the shoreline of Miramar Flamingo in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The operation followed information received by authorities regarding the alleged presence of smuggled cigarettes in the area. Verification of the report led to the discovery of abandoned suspected smuggled cigarettes and a motorboat believed to be associated with the recovered items.
Police personnel attempted to locate the owner of the boat and the tobacco products but were unable to identify or locate any individual claiming ownership.
The recovered items were brought to the 2nd ZCMFC headquarters along Roseller T. Lim Boulevard for documentation and inventory.
In coordination with the BOC Port of Zamboanga and ZCPS 8, authorities inventoried 385 reams of Bosqu cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱1.15 million.
The recovered cigarettes and motorboat were subsequently turned over to the BOC for proper disposition.
Also on August 22, at approximately 11:30 p.m., personnel of the Indanan Municipal Police Station (MPS) responded to a report from a concerned citizen regarding the alleged presence of smuggled cigarettes in Sitio Maidan, Barangay Buansa, Indanan, Sulu.
Upon verification at the reported location, police recovered 20 master cases of Hero cigarettes, with each master case containing 50 reams.
The cigarettes were valued at approximately ₱57,300 per master case, for a total estimated value of ₱1,146,000.
The recovered tobacco products were placed under the temporary custody of the Indanan MPS pending turnover to the concerned authority for proper disposition.
Overall, the three operations resulted in the seizure and recovery of 42 master cases and 385 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated ₱5,685,971.
Police Brigadier General Dennis A. Esguerra, Regional Director of PRO 9, commended the police personnel involved for their prompt response, effective coordination, and continued vigilance against smuggling activities in the region.
Esguerra said the successful operations underscore the importance of timely information, police vigilance, and strong coordination among law enforcement agencies in addressing smuggling activities.
PRO 9 said it will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and act promptly on information involving the illegal entry, transport, and distribution of smuggled goods.
The regional police office likewise reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Bureau of Customs and other partner agencies in curbing smuggling, illegal trade, and other forms of criminality in Zamboanga Peninsula and neighboring areas.
The operations are part of the police force's continuing campaign to protect communities and legitimate businesses from the effects of illegal trade and to uphold government regulations on the movement and sale of tobacco products.
