Major Anti-Smuggling Operations in Zamboanga Lead to Nine Arrests and P34.85 Million Seizure
Authorities in the Zamboanga Peninsula have successfully conducted two separate anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals and the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P34.85 million. The operations took place on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30, 2026, as confirmed by police reports.
Details of the Zamboanga City Operation
In the first operation, five suspects were apprehended at midnight on Friday, January 30, in Zamboanga City. The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) executed the arrest in Talon-Talon village, withholding the identities of the individuals pending further investigation.
From these suspects, authorities seized a significant haul, including:
- 635 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth P31.75 million
- Two vehicles used for transporting the contraband
Zamboanga del Sur Checkpoint Operation
The second operation occurred earlier on Thursday, January 29, in the province of Zamboanga del Sur. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested four individuals identified by their aliases: Ronnie (29), Rodel (24), Jinhar (21), and Dharyl (31).
This arrest took place during a checkpoint operation around 3 a.m. in Camanga village, Tukuran. The seized items from this operation included:
- 50 master cases and 450 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes valued at P3.1 million
- Two vehicles also confiscated
The CIDG has stated that appropriate charges will be filed against all arrested suspects, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities in the region.
