MANILA — Authorities seized around P6.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during a maritime patrol operation off Zamboanga City on Thursday.
Based on the report, personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC) Seaborne Unit intercepted a motorized boat in the waters off Layag-Layag Island in Barangay Talon-Talon at around 3:30 p.m.
Police said the vessel was carrying about 2,182 reams of assorted suspected smuggled cigarettes.
The two men onboard were arrested after they allegedly failed to present shipping or transport documents for the cargo.
Nasabat ng mga awtoridad ang nasa P6.5 milyong halaga ng mga hinihinalang ipinuslit na sigarilyo sa karagatan ng Layag-Layag Island sa Zamboanga City nitong Huwebes. (📸: PNP) @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/sv9Mvwgljg
— Karen De Guzman (@_KarenDeGuzman) August 6, 2026
Authorities then towed the motorized boat and its cargo to the 2nd ZCMFC Wharf for further investigation and proper disposition.
Police also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Station 12 for the inventory and marking of the confiscated items.
Following the seizure, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units “to intensify seaborne patrols and focus not only on intercepting illegal shipments but also on identifying and filing cases against the financiers, organizers, and other personalities behind these smuggling operations.”
“We will sustain intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the entire supply chain,” he added.
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