Authorities recovered an estimated P10.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes along the shoreline of Patalon village in Zamboanga City early Wednesday, September 30.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Cristopher Navida, commander of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, said the operation was conducted around 4:25 a.m. near Puerto Villa after the Regional Special Operation Unit-9 and the Regional Intelligence Division received information about suspected smuggled cigarettes in the area.
Police personnel verified the report and found the cigarettes abandoned along the shoreline. Authorities believe the shipment had been transported to the area before being left behind.
A total of 72 master cases containing assorted cigarette brands were recovered, with an estimated market value of P10.78 million.
Some of the master cases reportedly carried markings indicating that they were intended for “transshipment in-transit only,” a detail that authorities are examining as part of the investigation into the shipment’s origin and intended destination.
The recovered cigarettes were brought to the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company headquarters for documentation, inventory and further investigation.
Authorities said the seized goods will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga for proper disposition.
No individuals were reported arrested in connection with the recovery as of the latest report. The fact that the cigarettes were found abandoned means investigators will need to establish who transported the shipment and who was responsible for the suspected smuggling operation.
The latest seizure comes as authorities continue intensified operations against the movement of untaxed and illegally imported tobacco products in Zamboanga and other coastal areas. Maritime routes have long been monitored as part of efforts to prevent smuggled goods from entering local markets.
The recovery also highlights the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in monitoring Zamboanga City’s extensive coastline, where authorities regularly conduct intelligence-based operations against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade.
Police said the recovered contraband will remain under proper custody while documentation and investigation are completed, with the Bureau of Customs expected to handle the next stage of the case.
