ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 14) – Authorities seized ₱21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven men during a maritime operation near Sta. Cruz Island on Wednesday, police reported Thursday.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said officers intercepted two motorized boats, locally called “jungkung,” moving suspiciously in local waters. Upon inspection, police found 300 master cases of smuggled cigarettes hidden on board.
The suspects, all adult males, were brought along with the seized cargo to Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for documentation and proper disposition.
“This successful operation proves the discipline, alertness, and teamwork of our PNP personnel,” Nartatez said. “Their efforts prevented millions in illegal goods from entering our communities and helped protect our borders.”
The operation is part of the PNP’s intensified anti-smuggling efforts in Western Mindanao, targeting illegal transport of goods through the region’s coastal routes.
