ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities successfully apprehended a 25-year-old laborer and confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP15.3 million during an anti-smuggling operation conducted on Tuesday in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, the director of Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), reported on Wednesday that the operation commenced at approximately 3:40 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Laih, executed in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs.
The operation led to the seizure of 261 master cases, 314 reams, and 33 packs of various smuggled cigarettes.
“The PRO-9 remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illegal smuggling and other criminal activities within the region,” stated Masauding.
The detained individual, along with the confiscated goods, was transported to the Siay Municipal Police Station for appropriate documentation and further processing.
Masauding emphasized the significance of coordinated operations to address the illegal importation and distribution of contraband goods in the region.