Authorities intercepted nearly P3.8 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested one suspect during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Zamboanga City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Monday.
The operation was carried out on May 15 by the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit and the Bureau of Customs Region 9, with support from local police units, in Barangay Arena Blanco.
Operatives confiscated 26 master cases of imported cigarettes with an estimated value of P3,847,450.88 and arrested a suspect identified only by the alias “Basi.”
Investigators said the suspect failed to present permits or documents authorizing the possession, transport, distribution, or sale of the imported tobacco products, as well as proof of payment of customs duties and taxes.
Authorities said the suspect may face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Morico II said the operation forms part of the government’s intensified crackdown on smuggling and economic sabotage.
He stressed that smuggled cigarettes deprive the government of tax revenues and undermine legitimate businesses that comply with customs and excise laws.
“Smuggled cigarettes are illegal primarily because bringing them across borders bypasses mandatory customs duties and excise taxes,” Morico said.
He added that illegal tobacco trading also weakens efforts to maintain transparency and integrity in customs enforcement.
The CIDG also commended its Zamboanga City operatives, Bureau of Customs personnel, and partner law enforcement units for the successful operation.
Authorities said the anti-smuggling campaign would continue nationwide as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal cigarette distribution networks and other forms of economic sabotage.