The Philippine National Police intercepted an estimated P18.4 million worth of illicit cigarettes during a maritime law enforcement operation in the waters off Barangay Sugod, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur on July 7.
Acting on verified information about the transport of suspected contraband, personnel of the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station, together with other police and military units, conducted a seaborne patrol that led to the interception of a motorized boat loaded with assorted cigarette products.
The shipment consisted of about 300 master cases, or 15,000 reams, of assorted cigarette brands believed to have been transported without the required documents.
Two male suspects, both 24 years old, were taken into police custody after they failed to present documents authorizing the transport of the cargo.
Police also seized the motorized boat used in the transport, bringing the total estimated value of the confiscated items to ₱18,449,500.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its campaign against the illegal movement of untaxed and undocumented products under its Focused Agenda and Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
The operation also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen measures against illicit trade, protect legitimate businesses, and preserve government revenues.
The arrested individuals are facing appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The National Tobacco Administration will verify and assess the seized tobacco products, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue will determine the applicable tax liabilities to support the filing of charges.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their prompt and coordinated action.
“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay na nananatiling matatag ang ating kampanya laban sa mga iligal na gawain na nakaaapekto sa ekonomiya at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP will continue strengthening coordination with partner agencies to stop the movement of illicit goods across the country.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at ng publiko, mas magiging epektibo ang ating kampanya laban sa smuggling at iba pang ilegal na kalakalan. Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang interes ng ating bansa,” he added.
The PNP urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities involving the illegal transport and trade of goods.
The police organization said it remains committed to responsive, professional, and accountable policing under its banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”