An estimated P22.29 million worth of illicit cigarettes was intercepted and four suspects were arrested during a maritime law enforcement operation in the municipal waters of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, early Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Saturday.

The operation, led by the Maritime Group’s Regional Maritime Unit 9 in coordination with local police and partner law enforcement agencies, was launched after authorities received information regarding the alleged transport of contraband by sea.

The operating team intercepted a motorized pump boat carrying hundreds of master cases of suspected illicit cigarettes.

The four suspects, all adult Filipino men, failed to present documents showing the lawful transport and possession of the cargo. They were informed of their constitutional rights before being taken into police custody.

Recovered during the operation were 375 master cases of assorted illicit cigarettes valued at about P21.49 million, along with the motorized boat used to transport the cargo, bringing the total estimated value of the seized items to P22.29 million.

Authorities are preparing charges for alleged violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and other applicable laws, while further validation and case build-up are ongoing.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the successful operation supports the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, by strengthening efforts against smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine legitimate industries and deprive the government of much-needed revenues.

He added that the operation also aligns with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify law enforcement actions that protect the country’s economy and secure its borders.

Nartatez commended the operating teams for their swift and coordinated response.

“Hindi lamang kontrabando ang hinahadlangan natin dito. Pinoprotektahan din natin ang ating ekonomiya, ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong negosyante, at ang tiwala ng publiko sa batas. I commend our personnel and partner agencies for remaining alert and committed to their duty. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang ating operasyon laban sa mga gawaing lumalabag sa batas, ngunit palagi nating sisiguraduhin na ang bawat aksyon ng pulisya ay naaayon sa batas at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief said the police organization remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against economic crimes and smuggling as it continues to uphold the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” program in support of safer communities and a stronger, more secure nation.