Some P2.29-million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized by the police during a checkpoint operation at Barangay Campo Islam, Zamboanga City on 25 June 2026.

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the operation also led to the arrest of two male suspects.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company “Seaborne” in coordination with Zamboanga City Police Station 11. While conducting a fixed checkpoint, police flagged down a suspicious blue-grey closed van being driven by a 33-year-old Filipino male, accompanied by a 31-year-old Filipino male who was serving as vanman.

During the inspection, police personnel noticed boxes visible inside the vehicle, prompting further verification.

Authorities said the driver initially acted evasively before admitting that the van was transporting cigarettes. When the vehicle was voluntarily opened by the companion, police discovered 40 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes bearing the brand name “Walton.” The confiscated contraband has an estimated value of P2,292,000.00. The suspects failed to present importation papers, customs clearance, or any other documents proving the lawful transport and possession of the cigarettes.

The confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes were recovered from inside the blue-grey closed van intercepted at the checkpoint in Barangay Campo Islam.

The final inventory and valuation of the seized contraband will be completed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after the inventory and labeling process.

The alleged smuggled cigarettes, along with the vehicle used in the transport, will be turned over to the BOC for proper disposition, while the two arrested individuals will be placed under the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.

"Checkpoints remain a strong line of defense against the transport of illegal goods, and this operation highlights the importance of alert and disciplined police work in stopping smuggling activities before they reach the market," Chief Nartatez said.

"Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang laban sa smuggling dahil sinisira nito ang ating ekonomiya at ang kapayapaan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang bawat kontrabando na ating nahaharang ay patunay na nagbubunga ang ating tapat na serbisyo sa mga daanan at komunidad," he added.

The accomplishment reflects the PNP’s continuing transformation agenda, which serves as its strategic framework for building a more responsive and dependable police service. In this operation, the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations was evident through sustained checkpoint enforcement and intensified anti-smuggling efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal goods and supporting law enforcement action against violators.