World · Philippines Bureau
Zamboanga City official arrested in firearms, smuggled cigarettes raid
Police in Zamboanga City arrested a barangay councilman Friday following a dawn operation that uncovered an arsenal of weapons and nearly P3 million in contraband cigarettes. The suspect was taken into custody after authorities conducted a search in Barangay Putik.
LSN Philippines ·
A barangay councilman from Zone 4 in Zamboanga City was arrested September 4 following a police raid that netted assorted firearms, ammunition, tactical equipment, and smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P3 million, authorities said.
The operation was conducted in Barangay Putik early Friday morning by police operatives who executed a search warrant at a residence. Officers recovered multiple weapons and a substantial cache of contraband cigarettes during the operation.
The suspect, identified as a councilman representing Barangay Zone 4, was apprehended at the scene and turned over to authorities for processing. Police investigations into the source and intended distribution of the confiscated items are ongoing.
The seizure marks another significant operation against illegal firearms trafficking and smuggling operations in the Zamboanga region. Authorities continue to intensify efforts targeting contraband trade networks and unlicensed weapons stockpiles in the city.