Authorities in the Zamboanga Peninsula have dealt a significant blow to the illicit tobacco trade, arresting one individual and confiscating smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P1.7 million in two separate operations this week.
Arrest in Zamboanga City Follows Early Morning Tip-Off
The first operation unfolded in Talabaan village, Zamboanga City, in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Personnel from the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (Marpsta) apprehended a suspect identified only as alias Basir, a resident of the city.
Acting on surveillance, lawmen caught Basir in the act of loading suspicious boxes into a vehicle around 4 a.m. An immediate inspection revealed the boxes contained a large shipment of contraband cigarettes. Crucially, the seized items lacked the required Graphic Health Warnings, constituting a direct violation of Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The contraband seized from Basir amounted to 44 master cases of various smuggled cigarette brands, with an estimated market value of P1 million. The suspect, the cigarettes, and the vehicle used in the operation were all transported to the Regional Maritime Unit-9 headquarters for documentation and the filing of formal charges.
Abandoned Motorboat Yields Another Major Haul in Siocon
In a related maritime interdiction, police in Zamboanga del Norte seized another large cache of smuggled tobacco just a day earlier. The Siocon Municipal Police Station launched a swift response after receiving a report about an abandoned motorboat drifting within municipal waters on Monday, December 15.
The operation, which commenced around 3:55 p.m. in Sitio Sicanan, Latabon village, Siocon, confirmed the vessel was laden with illicit cigarettes. With no individuals claiming the cargo, authorities took custody of the boat and its contents.
This second seizure netted 13 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at around P744,900. The motorboat was also impounded as part of the evidence. An active investigation is now underway to trace the ownership and origin of the abandoned contraband.
Ongoing Crackdown on Illicit Trade
The combined operations underscore a continued and coordinated effort by Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling in the region. The enforcement of Republic Act 10643 highlights the multi-faceted approach, targeting not just the illegal importation but also the public health violations associated with non-compliant products.
The successful seizures in both Zamboanga City and Siocon demonstrate the critical role of community tips and proactive maritime patrols in disrupting the supply chain of smuggled goods. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all leads to hold accountable those behind these illicit operations.
