Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Authorities seized around P6.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during a maritime patrol operation off Zamboanga City on Thursday.Based on the report, personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC) Seaborne Unit intercepted a motorized boat in the waters off Layag-Layag Island in Barangay Talon-Talon at around 3:30 p.m.Police said the vessel was carrying about 2,182 reams of assorted suspected smuggled cigarettes. The two men onboard were arrested after they allegedly failed to present shipping or transport documents for the cargo.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nasabat ng mga awtoridad ang nasa P6.5 milyong halaga ng mga hinihinalang ipinuslit na sigarilyo sa karagatan ng Layag-Layag Island sa Zamboanga City nitong Huwebes. (📸: PNP) <a href="https://x.com/ABSCBNNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABSCBNNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/sv9Mvwgljg">pic.twitter.com/sv9Mvwgljg</a>— Karen De Guzman (@_KarenDeGuzman) <a href="https://x.com/_KarenDeGuzman/status/2085514297736835476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2026</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charSet="utf-8"></script>Authorities then towed the motorized boat and its cargo to the 2nd ZCMFC Wharf for further investigation and proper disposition.Police also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Station 12 for the inventory and marking of the confiscated items.Following the seizure, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units “to intensify seaborne patrols and focus not only on intercepting illegal shipments but also on identifying and filing cases against the financiers, organizers, and other personalities behind these smuggling operations.” “We will sustain intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the entire supply chain,” he added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/6/23/authorities-seize-p1-7-b-worth-of-smuggled-cigarettes-1420">Authorities seize P1.7-billion smuggled cigarettes in Manila</a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/7/13/pnp-orders-charges-vs-cop-arrested-for-alleged-transport-of-p1-3-m-smuggled-cigarettes-1553">PNP orders charges vs cop arrested for alleged transport of P1.3-million smuggled cigarettes</a></div>

Authorities seized around P6.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during a maritime patrol operation off Zamboanga City on Thursday.

Authorities seized around P6.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during a maritime patrol operation off Zamboanga City on Thursday.

P6.5-M suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

P6.5-M suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 07, 2026 11:42 AM PHT

Read More:

cigarette

cigarette smugggling

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.