PRO-9 seizes PHP15.3M smuggled cigarettes, arrests suspect

On Tuesday, authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay seized smuggled cigarettes worth PHP15.3 million and arrested a 25-year-old laborer during an anti-smuggling operation.

Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, director of Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), said the operation took place around 3:40 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Laih, and involved collaboration with the Bureau of Customs.

The seized contraband included 261 master cases, 314 reams, and 33 packs of assorted smuggled cigarettes.

Masauding emphasized the PRO-9's commitment to combating illegal smuggling and other criminal activities in the region.

The arrested suspect and confiscated goods were taken to the Siay Municipal Police Station for documentation and disposition.

Masauding underscored the importance of coordinated operations to combat the illegal importation and distribution of contraband goods in the region.