ZAMBOANGA CITY — Law enforcers intercepted a shipment of illicit cigarettes during an early morning operation along a coastal stretch in the city.
Police said the operation was carried out around dawn in Isla Berde along Chonga Drive in Barangay Talon-Talon after receiving reports of suspicious activity in the area.
Zamboanga City Police Office director Fidel Fortaleza Jr. said officers spotted boxes of cigarettes being unloaded near the shoreline.
Individuals believed to be involved in the activity fled upon noticing the approaching authorities, abandoning the cargo at the site.
A total of 41 master cases of cigarettes were recovered during the operation, with an estimated market value of about Php2.46 million.
Initial findings showed the seized products carried a brand associated with manufacturing in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Fortaleza said coordination was underway with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Regional Maritime Unit 9 to track down those responsible.
The confiscated items were taken to a local police station for documentation and proper turnover as the investigation continues.
