Authorities seized nearly P4 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after intercepting an abandoned vehicle in Zamboanga City on the evening of June 7.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the joint operation was conducted along Luste Drive in Barangay Sta. Catalina by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Zamboanga City Field Unit, Bureau of Customs Region IX, and Zamboanga City Police Station 11.
Operatives discovered a blue Mazda minivan without a license plate loaded with assorted cigarettes believed to have been transported in violation of customs laws and regulations.
The driver of the vehicle fled on foot after noticing the approaching law enforcement team. Authorities pursued the suspect, but he escaped due to the terrain and limited visibility in the area.
A subsequent inspection of the minivan led to the discovery of multiple boxes and reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes. The seized items and the vehicle were turned over to the Bureau of Customs Regional Office IX for inventory, examination, and proper legal disposition.
The confiscated cigarettes were valued at more than P3.9 million, highlighting the scale of the attempted illicit shipment.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated action, saying the operation reflected the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.
“Patuloy nating pinalalakas ang ating presensya at koordinasyon sa lahat ng operasyon laban sa iligal na aktibidad. This is a clear example of how teamwork and alertness can stop unlawful activities before they harm our economy,” Nartatez said.
Authorities are still tracing the identity of the fleeing driver and investigating possible networks behind the shipment.
The PNP said it will continue operations against smuggling and other illegal activities in support of national security and economic protection.