NATION

P2-M smuggled cigarettes seized

Jonas Reyes · Aug 1, 2026, 3:37 AM

AUTHORITIES confiscated a minivan loaded with 11 master cases and 140 reams of contraband cigarettes with an estimated value of P2,066,165.80. The 27-year-old driver was arrested after failing to present the required Bureau of Customs import documents. — PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy of pnp-CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit

Authorities seized more than P2 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested a 27-year-old driver during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City, on 28 July.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) Regional Office IX, and Police Station 11 of the Zamboanga City Police Office for alleged violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Operatives intercepted a minivan carrying 11 master cases and 140 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P2,066,165.80. The driver, a resident of Barangay Arena Blanco, Zamboanga City, was arrested after he was allegedly found transporting the tobacco products without the required Bureau of Customs documents.

A report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert A.A. Morico II stated that the suspect was unable to present proof that the shipment had been legally imported, making its transport and possession a violation of the CMTA.

Morico said Republic Act 10863 strengthens the government’s efforts to modernize customs administration, improve revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and intensify the campaign against smuggling and other customs-related offenses.

He added that cigarette smuggling continues to pose serious economic, social, and public health concerns, depriving the government of billions of pesos in customs duties and the 12-percent value-added tax while fueling the illicit tobacco trade.