P16-M smuggled cigarettes seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P16 million and arrested a suspected trader in Zamboanga City on 13 August, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Saturday.

The operation was conducted in Barangay Baliwasan Grande by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 9, 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and Zamboanga City Police Station, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs Region 9.

Police arrested a 47-year-old man from Bas Nonok, Lugus, Sulu, who was allegedly found in possession of the tobacco products while selling and trading them.

Authorities confiscated 89 master cases and 800 reams of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at P16,179,407. The seized products allegedly did not bear the required graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps.

The operation was carried out under Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which seeks to curb illicit trade and protect legitimate businesses from unscrupulous traders and importers.

“This operation shows that our police units remain ready to act against illegal tobacco trading wherever it is detected. We will pursue enforcement actions that protect communities and uphold the law,” Nartatez said.

“The PNP will not tolerate this kind of illegal trade. We will do what is necessary to hold violators accountable,” he added.

Nartatez said the operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a transformation framework aimed at strengthening police service and operational effectiveness. It also advances Enhanced Managing Police Operations through focused enforcement against illicit activities.