(Photo by PNP-PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities confiscated approximately Php 10.53 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested one individual during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Zamboanga City on Monday night, October 12.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said operatives seized 180 master cases of cigarettes and a closed van allegedly used to transport the contraband in Sitio Catumbal, Barangay Culianan.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit, Police Station 4, and the City Mobile Force Company of the Zamboanga City Police Office, in coordination with Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and the Bureau of Customs Regional Office 9.
The arrested individual was placed under the custody of the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit while authorities documented the confiscated items and prepared the necessary procedures for filing appropriate charges.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in preventing smuggled products from entering the local market.
“Kapag may smuggling, naaapektuhan ang mga negosyanteng sumusunod sa batas at nagbabayad ng tamang buwis. Kaya mahalaga ang pagtutulungan natin para mapigilan ang ganitong gawain at mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mga lehitimong negosyo,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) initiative, which promotes coordinated law enforcement efforts against illegal activities.
Authorities vowed to sustain anti-smuggling operations to protect legitimate businesses, prevent revenue losses, and strengthen enforcement against the illegal movement of goods.
