A total of ₱916,800 worth of smuggled cigarettes was seized while a driver was arrested during an anti-smuggling operation conducted Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Barangay Dacanay, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
According to Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, regional director of the Police Regional Office 9, the suspect was a 21-year-old resident of Margosatubig.
Authorities confiscated 16 master cases of Berlin cigarettes from the suspect. The cigarettes reportedly had no supporting documents and carried an estimated value of ₱916,800.
The operation formed part of continuing anti-smuggling efforts in the region.
PRO 9 assured the public that aggressive operations against smuggling activities would continue in line with efforts to uphold the law, protect the national economy, and ensure public safety.
No other details were immediately released regarding the source or intended destination of the confiscated cigarettes.
