Operatives from the Police Regional Office in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) successfully confiscated more than P18 million worth of undocumented cigarettes through two separate anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. The operations were part of the police's intensified efforts to combat economic sabotage within the region.
According to PRO-9 director Brigadier General Elmer Ragay, the combined seizures amounted to P18,066,798. This initiative exemplifies the command's commitment to tackling issues of smuggling and illicit trade in the Zamboanga Peninsula, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of regulations regarding tobacco products.
In the first operation, which took place in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, police conducted an intelligence-driven raid at approximately 9:20 p.m. at Sitio Bitoon in Barangay Sicayab Bucana. During this operation, law enforcement officers apprehended a 24-year-old male suspect. The local teams involved included the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Dapitan City Police Station, among others.
The officers seized 45 master cases of cigarettes during this interdiction, broken down into 30 master cases of D&J Menthol and 15 master cases of Cannon cigarettes. Valued according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) standard price index, the Dapitan seizure was estimated at P14,298,750, with each master case valued at P317,750. The suspect was subsequently charged under Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The second operation occurred later in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, where police stopped a yellow Foton delivery truck at a checkpoint in Barangay Boyugan West around 11:45 p.m. The driver of the truck became suspicious of the cargo he was carrying and voluntarily sought police assistance, which led to an immediate inspection by border control personnel.
Upon conducting an inventory in collaboration with BOC representatives, authorities discovered 3,288 reams of cigarettes concealed within the vehicle. The cargo included 1,975 reams of D&J cigarettes valued at P2,263,350 and 1,313 reams of Modern cigarettes worth P1,504,698, resulting in a total seizure value from Kumalarang of P3,768,048. The delivery truck was impounded, and the driver was taken to the Kumalarang Municipal Police Station for further investigation.
Brigadier General Ragay reaffirmed the commitment of PRO-9 to aggressively enforce laws that prevent the distribution of illicit tobacco products. He indicated that personnel will be directed to respond effectively to every piece of intelligence gathered and to ensure proper legal measures are taken against violators. PRO-9 is also focusing on enhancing checkpoint inspections and intelligence operations, in conjunction with the Bureau of Customs, to protect legitimate business operations throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu province.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much were the cigarettes worth that were seized in the operations?
The total value of the undocumented cigarettes seized during the operations was P18,066,798.
What led to the arrest during the Dapitan City operation?
The arrest in Dapitan City occurred during an intelligence-led operation where police intercepted a suspect carrying 45 master cases of undocumented cigarettes.
What was discovered in the delivery truck during the Kumalarang operation?
Authorities found 3,288 reams of cigarettes hidden inside the delivery truck, comprising various brands including D&J and Modern cigarettes.
Reporting by Jeff Malate for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.