Some P3-million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes aboard a passenger vessel were seized by authorities at the Zamboanga International Seaport on 7 August 2026.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the operation stemmed from intelligence information that alleged undocumented imported cigarettes were bound for Zamboanga City.

Upon the vessel's arrival, Coast Guard K9 personnel conducted an inspection that led to the discovery of assorted cigarettes concealed in different areas of the vessel, yielding an estimated market value of P3,058,600.

During the investigation, four crew members admitted receiving and handling the goods aboard the vessel. They did not identify the owner of the contraband.

According to PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the PCG is preparing cases against the involved individuals for possible violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, RA No. 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code, and RA No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

"The vessel management was also issued an enforcement inspection apprehension report for fraudulent entry in its maritime declaration of security and departure documents and was fined P40,000 for the violation," Cayabyab said.

"The confiscated cigarettes are currently under the custody of the PCG Investigation and Detection Unit in Southwestern Mindanao for safekeeping and proper disposition," she furthered.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, commended the operating team for the successful operation and directed Coast Guard units to sustain intelligence-driven maritime law enforcement efforts against smuggling and other illegal activities in support of President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr’s "Bagong Pilipinas" vision.

Through its Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) campaign and Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea strategic concept, the PCG remains committed to safeguarding the country's maritime borders and upholding the rule of law.