P15-M smuggled cigarettes seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted a motorized boat carrying P15.82 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven crew members off the coast of Zamboanga City last Friday, officials announced Monday.

The vessel was intercepted near Manalipa Island by maritime police working in tandem with other law enforcement units. Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) acting regional director Brig. Gen. Eleazar P. Matta said the operating units detected the suspicious boat through radar monitoring during a seaborne patrol.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered the vessel was loaded with 226 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, including brands like New Berlin, Platinum Seven, Seven Kings and Cannon Menthol. The boat was reportedly bound for the coastal town of Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat province.

The seven male crew members, all residents of Kalamansig, failed to provide proper documentation for the cargo.

Authorities also recovered two high-caliber firearms, specifically US Garand Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Springfield Armory units, which will be turned over to the Zamboanga City Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination.

“The seizure of smuggled cigarettes, an act of economic sabotage, along with the recovery of illegal firearms, underscores our unyielding resolve to dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and economic stability,” Matta said.

The seized cigarettes and the motorboat were taken into custody by the Regional Police Special Operations Unit 9. The arrested individuals are detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 4 for inquest proceedings.

Matta stressed that the operation sends a clear message that the region’s “waters and borders are not safe havens for illegal activity,” and stressed the priority of protecting the public interest and maintaining maritime security.