Authorities confiscated smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P2.4 million during a pre-dawn law enforcement operation in Zamboanga City on Wednesday, April 15, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal trading activities in coastal areas.
According to Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr., director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), the operation was carried out at around 3:30 a.m. along Isla Berde, Chonga Drive in Barangay Talon-Talon. Police personnel conducting shoreline patrol reportedly discovered several master cases of cigarettes being unloaded in the area. However, the individuals involved in transporting the contraband immediately fled upon noticing the approaching law enforcers, leaving the goods behind to avoid apprehension.
Coastal Patrol Leads to Major Seizure
Authorities recovered a total of 41 master cases of cigarettes, with an estimated value of P2.46 million. The seized items were found to bear a brand manufactured in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, indicating possible cross-border smuggling activity. The discovery has prompted authorities to intensify monitoring in coastal entry points commonly used for the illegal entry of goods.
Fortaleza said the ZCPO is now working closely with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Regional Maritime Unit 9 in the Zamboanga Peninsula to help identify the individuals or groups behind the shipment. Investigators are also tracing possible supply routes and networks linked to the contraband.
The confiscated cigarettes were brought to Police Station 12 in Zamboanga City for proper documentation and disposition. Authorities said follow-up operations and intelligence gathering are ongoing as they continue efforts to dismantle smuggling activities in the area.
