Massive P10.7 Million Smuggled Cigarette Bust in Southern Philippines
In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, Philippine law enforcement authorities have seized approximately P10.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate operations across the Soccsksargen and Zamboanga Peninsula regions. The coordinated efforts, which took place on Tuesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 22, 2026, highlight ongoing vigilance against smuggling activities in these areas.
Soccsksargen Operations Yield P8.9 Million Haul
Police Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, the Soccsksargen police director, reported that simultaneous search warrants were executed in the early hours of Thursday, January 22. The operations targeted residences in Tibpuan and Poblacion 3 villages, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, resulting in the confiscation of 209 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P8.9 million.
- At the residence of an individual known as alias Chong in Tibpuan village, operatives seized 86 master cases worth P3.6 million.
- In another location in Tibpuan village, the residence of alias Yash, a former policeman, yielded 123 master cases valued at P5.2 million.
Both suspects, Chong and Yash, remain at large as they were not present during the raids. Ardiente noted that search operations at the homes of alias Al and alias "Aman" in Poblacion 3 village did not recover any contraband. All confiscated items are currently under the custody of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit-12 for documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Zamboanga Peninsula Seizures and Arrests
Meanwhile, in the Zamboanga Peninsula, separate law enforcement actions led to additional seizures and an arrest. Police Major Benzar Mukkaram, chief of the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC MARPSTA), detailed an intelligence-driven operation on Thursday, January 22, at the port of Zamboanga City.
Around 6:05 a.m., during a random inspection, authorities discovered 1,106 reams or approximately 22 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth P1.2 million concealed in several baggage items. This operation was prompted by intelligence reports indicating an expected shipment of smuggled cigarettes from nearby provinces. The confiscated cigarettes were found to lack graphic warnings, violating the Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act. One suspect was arrested, and the items were taken to ZC MARPSTA for further action.
In a related incident, Police Brigadier Edwin Quilates, Zamboanga Peninsula director, reported that on Tuesday, January 20, operatives seized P573,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in Busbus village, Jolo, Sulu. During a checkpoint operation along Kasulutan road, police noticed a vehicle parked suspiciously, causing traffic congestion. Upon inspection, they found 10 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, but the driver fled the scene. No one has claimed ownership of the cigarettes or the vehicle, which is now held by the Jolo Municipal Police Station pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The combined efforts in these regions underscore a robust response to smuggling networks. Authorities emphasize that all seized contraband is being processed for legal disposition, with cases forwarded to the Bureau of Customs. The operations reflect continued collaboration between local police units and national agencies to combat illegal trade and enforce tobacco regulations in the Philippines.
