World · Philippines Bureau
Police seize P7.2M in contraband cigarettes off Zamboanga City
A coast guard operation in Zamboanga City has resulted in the interception of a smuggling vessel and the arrest of eight crew members. The seized contraband cigarettes are valued at approximately P7.2 million.
LSN Philippines ·
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Philippine law enforcement personnel apprehended a motorized boat laden with illegal cigarettes during a maritime interdiction operation Thursday morning in coastal waters near Barangay Sinunuc. The operation, coordinated by the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), resulted in the seizure of contraband goods valued at P7.2 million and the arrest of all eight individuals aboard the vessel.
According to PRO-9 spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Shellamie Chang, authorities identified the shipment as smuggled cigarettes during a routine seaborne patrol. The motorized boat was intercepted before it could reach its intended destination, preventing the contraband from entering local markets.
The eight crew members have been taken into custody pending investigation and the filing of appropriate charges. Authorities are conducting further inquiries to determine the source of the smuggled goods and identify any individuals or organizations involved in the smuggling operation.
The seizure underscores ongoing efforts by regional law enforcement to combat illicit trade and enforce customs regulations in Philippine territorial waters. Officials note that smuggled cigarettes undermine tax revenue and create unfair market competition for legitimate tobacco vendors.