Over P2 Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes Seized in Zamboanga del Sur; 3 Arrested in Separate Operations

By Sherman Calotes | Mindanao People's Press 

Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines – In a span of just 24 hours, authorities intensified their campaign against the illicit tobacco trade in Zamboanga del Sur, resulting in the seizure of over P2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of three individuals in separate operations conducted in the municipalities of Labangan and Tukuran.

The first operation occurred at approximately 5:00 PM on May 22, 2025, at the PNP Border Checkpoint in Barangay Militar, Tukuran. Acting on intelligence reports, law enforcement personnel flagged down a Mitsubishi Mirage G4 occupied by two male suspects.

The suspects, identified as Garry, 43, and Warkin, 43 both residents of Pagadian City were found transporting a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes. Confiscated from their vehicle were 350 rims of Champion White and 96 rims of Berlin Red cigarettes. The total estimated street value of the seized items is pegged at Php 511,116.00.

According to authorities, the contraband originated from Barangay Pikalawag in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, and was allegedly en route to distribution points in Pagadian City and surrounding areas. The operation was spearheaded by the RA Regional Intelligence Division 9 (RID9), Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit (ZSPIU), 902nd Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9), Tukuran Municipal Police Station (MPS), 53rd Infantry Battalion Delta Company, and the Bureau of Customs.

Barely eight hours later, at around 1:45 AM on May 23, 2025, a second operation in Purok Enumanakuda (Mangga), Barangay New Labangan, Labangan led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male construction worker. Authorities discovered 29 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of Php 1,661,700.00.

Among the confiscated brands were: 10 master cases of New Brand Menthol, 9 master cases of San Diego Red, 5 master cases of San Diego Light, 1 assorted case of San Diego, 4 master cases of Blast

This anti-smuggling operation was jointly carried out by RA RID9, ZSPIU, 902nd MC RMFB9, Labangan MPS, 1st Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZSPMFC), and the Bureau of Customs.

The suspect, who remains unnamed pending further investigation, is now in the custody of the Labangan MPS. The seized items have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs Sub-Office in Pagadian City for documentation and inventory.

All three suspects now face multiple charges for violating Republic Act No. 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997, and Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to curbing smuggling operations in the region, noting that illicit cigarette trade poses a serious threat not only to government revenues but also to public health and lawful commerce.

“These operations are a clear message that we will not tolerate smuggling activities in our jurisdiction. We will remain relentless in our pursuit of those who violate the law,” one official stated.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities as authorities continue their crackdown on illegal trade in Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring provinces.