ZAMBOANGA. Authorities arrested two individuals and seized approximately P15.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the police reported on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Zamboanga City Seizure
Of the total, P14.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were recovered in Zamboanga City. The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) stated that the contraband was discovered on Sunday afternoon, May 31, in Sitio Malasugat, Sangali village. The operation followed a tip-off about boxes of cigarettes being brought to the area. No one claimed ownership of the items. The ZCPO recovered 95 master cases and 38 reams of cigarettes. Authorities are now investigating the shipment's origin and transport route.
BARMM Operation
In a separate operation, P1.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized on Monday, June 1, in Dulangan village, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, reported that operatives conducting a checkpoint intercepted a vehicle with two individuals. The cigarettes were concealed under the cargo area, covered with empty soft drink bottles to avoid detection. The confiscated items included 32 master cases and 21 reams of cigarettes. The suspects and seized goods were brought to the police station for documentation.
Commendation and Commitment
Abecia commended the operating units for their vigilance and success. He emphasized the importance of sustained efforts against smuggling, stating that the interception demonstrates the personnel's commitment to enforcing the law. He pledged to strengthen operations and partnerships with concerned agencies to prevent illegal products from entering BARMM.
