The Philippine National Police (PNP) has made a significant breakthrough in combating cigarette smuggling, intercepting a major attempt off Sta. Cruz Island on November 12. The operation resulted in the seizure of contraband valued at approximately P21 million and the arrest of seven men.
According to PNP Acting Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the operation began around 4:30 p.m. when police patrolling the area spotted two motorized boats behaving suspiciously. Upon inspection, the vessels were found carrying 300 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, including 272 cases of Modern Red and 28 cases of Green Hills Menthol.
The seven suspects, all adult males, were taken into custody, and the seized goods were brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for documentation and proper disposition. Nartatez commended the teamwork and discipline of the officers involved, stating that the operation prevented the illegal transport of millions worth of smuggled goods.
This latest operation is part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to enforce laws against smuggling and other forms of organized crime in the country’s coastal areas. The PNP has been intensifying its crackdown on cigarette smuggling, with recent operations resulting in significant seizures and arrests in various regions.
The illegal cigarette trade has been estimated to cost the government around P25 billion annually in lost revenue.
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