ZAMBOANGA. Lawmen arrested an individual and confiscated approximately P6.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes following a pursuit on June 19, 2026, in Gatas village, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.
Arrest and Seizure
Police Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Verzon, commander of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, identified the suspect as alias Macion, 36, a resident of Zambowood village, Zamboanga City. Verzon stated that Macion was apprehended at 7:02 a.m. on Friday, June 19.
According to Verzon, his personnel and Kalawit policemen were conducting a checkpoint operation when they flagged down a truck for exhibiting signs of reckless impaired driving.
Suspicious Behavior and Chase
During the routine inspection and verification, the operating personnel observed the suspect's suspicious behavior, Verzon reported. A chase ensued when the suspect suddenly sped off.
The operatives eventually cornered the truck and found it carrying 105 master cases and 230 reams of assorted cigarettes concealed in dried fish boxes. The estimated value of the confiscated cigarettes is P6.2 million.
Charges Filed
Verzon said the suspect will be charged with violation of Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents of Such Person), Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), and Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
