World · Philippines Bureau
Police seize P7.3 million in smuggled cigarettes across Zamboanga
Philippine law enforcement has confiscated a substantial haul of illicit cigarettes valued at P7.3 million during coordinated anti-smuggling operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The operations, conducted from late August through early September, targeted three key locations in the region.
LSN Philippines ·
The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) announced the seizures as part of an intensified campaign against contraband tobacco products. The confiscations occurred across Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga City, and Pagadian City during operations spanning August 31 to September 2.
Maj. Shellamie Chang, PRO-9 spokesperson, confirmed the scale of the operation and the value of contraband recovered. The coordinated effort demonstrates renewed enforcement focus on smuggling networks operating through the peninsula's strategic geographic position.
The Zamboanga Peninsula, encompassing multiple provinces and cities, has long been identified as a trafficking corridor for illegal goods. Officials have increasingly targeted cigarette smuggling operations, which deprive the government of significant tax revenue while undercutting legitimate retailers.
The confiscated cigarettes remain under police custody as investigations continue. Authorities did not immediately disclose details regarding arrests or suspects connected to the smuggling operation.