By order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against smuggling, leading to the arrest of suspects and the seizure of ₱16.1 million worth of contraband in Zamboanga City.
Police said the operation was conducted at Sitio Bactus, Barangay Talabaan around 1:30 a.m. on September 11 by joint operatives from several PNP units.
Arrested were a 43-year-old police officer from Jolo, Sulu, identified as the owner of the cigarettes, and a 55-year-old driver from Zamboanga City. Vince Lopez
Authorities confiscated an Isuzu ELF closed van carrying 282 master cases of assorted cigarettes valued at ₱16,158,600. The items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operation, saying the police will not tolerate smuggling and corruption, even if it involves its own ranks.
