Law enforcement authorities in Zamboanga City have scored a major victory against smuggling, arresting one suspect and confiscating contraband cigarettes valued at approximately P4.3 million in a coordinated operation.
Midnight Chase Leads to Arrest
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, December 21, 2025. Personnel from the Regional Special Operations Group-9 (RSOG-9), working alongside other police units and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), established a checkpoint along the bypass road in Cabatangan village. The operation was launched based on intelligence about a closed van transporting smuggled goods through the area.
Around midnight, a closed van approached the checkpoint. When officers signaled the driver to stop and present his license, the vehicle refused to comply and sped away. This triggered a brief but intense chase by the operatives.
Massive Contraband Uncovered
The fleeing van was eventually intercepted and brought to a stop. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a massive haul of illegal cigarettes inside. The vehicle was loaded with 48 master cases containing assorted brands of smuggled cigarettes.
The driver, identified only by the alias "Nasip", was immediately taken into custody. Police described him as of legal age and a resident of Logoy Diutay, Talon-Talon village, Zamboanga City. His arrest was finalized after he failed to produce any legal documents for the cargo he was transporting.
Case Turned Over for Disposition
Following the successful operation, the suspect, the seized closed van, and the P4.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were all brought to the Zamboanga City Police Station 7. The items are under proper custody for documentation and eventual official turnover to the Bureau of Customs, which will handle the legal proceedings and destruction of the contraband.
This operation highlights the continued vigilance and inter-agency cooperation between the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs in combating smuggling activities in the region, particularly in major ports and transit points like Zamboanga City.
