The Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted a smuggling attempt during a checkpoint operation in the early morning of June 19, 2026, in Barangay Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, resulting in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of more than P6.2 million worth of contraband cigarettes concealed inside a cargo vehicle.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the 2nd Platoon, 2nd Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Kalawit Municipal Police Station and the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office Intelligence Unit.
A white Isuzu Elf truck was flagged down after exhibiting suspicious movement and attempting to evade inspection. During routine verification, authorities discovered around 105 cases and 230 reams of assorted cigarettes hidden among boxes of dried fish inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested on the spot.
The suspect faces charges for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 10643, and Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The seized goods and the vehicle used in the transport were placed under police custody pending inventory and turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. The total value of the confiscated items was estimated at P6,280,080.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their vigilance, stressing the importance of sustained checkpoint and border control operations in preventing the entry of illegal goods.
“We remain firm in our mandate to stop illegal activities at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.
The PNP said the operation aligns with directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against smuggling and economic crimes, strengthening national security and protecting legitimate trade.
It also supports the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes coordinated field operations, stronger border control measures, and improved operational responsiveness nationwide.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to proactive law enforcement anchored on discipline, accountability, and service under the principle: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”