ZAMBOANGA CITY โ A joint operation by Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Zamboanga City Police, and Bureau of Customs (BOC)ย seizedย P2.8 million worth of illegal Indonesian cigarettesย in a raid lastย Tuesday, April 1.
Acting onย community tips, authorities stormed a storage facility inย Baliwasan Seaside, uncoveringย 95 large boxesย of contraband brands, includingย New Berlin Red, Canon, and Bravo cigarettesโall smuggled through theย Sulu and Tawi-Tawi sea routes. Three suspects guarding the illegal stash were arrested on-site.
Why Smuggled Cigarettes Flood Zamboanga
Theย Zamboanga Peninsula, with itsย vast coastlines and proximity to Indonesia, has long been a hotspot forย illicit tobacco trade. Smugglers exploit weak maritime surveillance, sneaking in untaxed cigarettes that undercut local businesses and deprive the government of millions in revenue.
This raid highlights theย growing black marketย for foreign cigarettes, which are sold cheaply in localย sari-sari stores, harming both legitimate traders and public health.
Van Impounded, Suspects Detained
Along with the cigarettes, authorities confiscated a small van valued at P650,000, believed to be used for distribution. Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo, PRO-9 director, commended the community informants whose tips led to the bust.
He said public cooperation is key in curbing smuggling the illegal trade.
A Wider Crackdown on Illicit Trade
Radio reports fromย Cotabato Cityย quoted PRO-12 officials praising Zamboanga residents for their vigilance. With smuggling syndicates growing bolder,ย inter-agency operationsย are intensifying across Mindanao to dismantle these illegal networks.
“This is not just about lost taxesโitโs about protecting our economy and our people,”ย a BOC official stated.ย “We will keep hunting these smugglers down.”
Officials said this seizure sends a clear warning: The illegal tobacco tradeโs days are numbered.
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