Authorities from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) have successfully intercepted contraband worth millions in a crackdown on smuggling activities within the Zamboanga Peninsula. In two separate operations conducted on Thursday, January 8, 2026, police confiscated smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of P4.2 million.
Dapitan City Checkpoint Yields First Bust
The first seizure occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. Acting on a specific intelligence report, operatives from the Zamboanga del Norte Maritime Police Station (ZDN Marpsta) established a checkpoint along the nautical highway in Barangay San Vicente.
The tip-off indicated that smuggled cigarettes were being loaded onto a passenger bus destined for Bacolod City. During the inspection, authorities discovered and seized 391 reams of cigarettes lacking the required graphic health warnings, a telltale sign of illicit goods. The confiscated items, valued at P446,131, are now under the custody of ZDN Marpsta for eventual turnover to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for proper disposition.
Zamboanga City Arrest Nets Larger Haul
Less than an hour later, at around 9:15 p.m. the same day, a second and larger operation unfolded in Baliwasan Village, Zamboanga City. Personnel from the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC Marpsta), conducting mobile patrols and monitoring, apprehended one individual.
The suspect was caught in the act of transporting smuggled cigarettes inside the container area of a shipping firm. From this arrest, authorities confiscated approximately 66 master cases of illicit cigarettes, valued at a staggering P3.7 million.
Ongoing Investigation and Custody
The identity of the arrested individual in Zamboanga City has been withheld by the ZC Marpsta as the investigation continues. The suspect remains in their custody. Meanwhile, the massive haul of cigarettes from this second operation was transported to the headquarters of the PNP-MG Regional Mobile Unit-9 for further processing and as evidence.
These coordinated law enforcement operations highlight the ongoing vigilance of the PNP Maritime Group against smuggling syndicates attempting to use the region's maritime routes and transport networks. The successful interceptions prevent a significant loss in government revenue and curb the flow of unregulated and untaxed products into the local market.
