The Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted a major cigarette smuggling attempt off Sta. Cruz Island on 12 November, seizing contraband valued at around P21 million and arresting seven men.

Citing a police report on Thursday, PNP Acting Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation began around 4:30 p.m. when police patrolling the area spotted two motorized boats, locally called “Jungkung,” behaving suspiciously. 

Upon inspection, the vessels were found carrying 300 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, including 272 cases of Modern Red and 28 cases of Green Hills Menthol.

The seven suspects, all adult males, were taken into custody, and the seized goods were brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for documentation and proper disposition.

“The operation prevented the illegal transport of millions worth of smuggled goods,” Nartatez said, commending the teamwork and discipline of the officers involved.

He noted that the PNP continues to focus on enforcing laws against smuggling and other forms of organized crime in the country’s coastal areas.