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Authorities seized P1.07 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals at a checkpoint in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay on October 2, 2026.
Authorities seized approximately P1.07 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during a checkpoint operation along the National Highway in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, police reported on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The operation took place at about 4:40 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Purok Lubay, La Paz village, Naga.
Checkpoint Operation Leads to Seizure
Personnel from the Naga Municipal Police Station, in coordination with soldiers from the 106th Infantry Battalion and the La Paz Temporary Patrol Base, conducted a random checkpoint when they stopped a Sport Utility Vehicle for inspection.
During the inspection, law enforcers discovered 18 master cases and 95 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P1,074,000. The contraband was reportedly seen in plain view inside the vehicle, prompting its immediate seizure in accordance with applicable procedures.
Police Colonel Barnard Danie Dasugo, director of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, confirmed that the seized items were properly documented and that the two suspects, along with the confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle, were brought to the Naga Municipal Police Station for processing.
Suspects and Contraband Turned Over for Processing
Dasugo stated that the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition under existing laws and regulations. The two arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will face appropriate charges.
The successful operation highlights the continued efforts of local authorities to combat the smuggling of illegal goods in the province. Dasugo commended the participating personnel for their vigilance and coordination, emphasizing that checkpoints remain a crucial measure against the movement of contraband and other illegal items.
Authorities Vow Continued Crackdown on Smuggling
Colonel Dasugo reiterated that the police will continue coordinating with partner agencies and maintaining police visibility in strategic areas to curb the transport of illegal goods and other unlawful activities in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The operation reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement to intercept smuggled cigarettes, which pose a significant threat to the local economy and public health. Authorities have yet to release the names of the arrested individuals as investigations continue.
The Bureau of Customs is expected to take custody of the seized cigarettes for further legal action. The police have not disclosed whether the suspects are part of a larger smuggling network, but they assured the public that follow-up operations are underway.
This latest seizure adds to the growing list of successful anti-smuggling operations in the region, demonstrating the commitment of the Philippine National Police and its partner agencies to uphold the law and protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit trade.
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