ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police Regional Office (PRO) 9, intensified its campaign against smuggling through two intelligence-driven operations in Zamboanga del Sur on November 4, 2026, resulting in the confiscation of 140 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱8,022,000.00 and arrest of one individual.

under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Elmer E Ragay, Regional Director, In Pagadian City, personnel of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Intelligence Unit (ZSPIU), together with Regional Intelligence Division 9 and 902nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, conducted an intelligence-driven operation at approximately 10:00 PM in Purok Duranta, Barangay Bomba.

The personnel recovered 39 master cases with an estimated value of ₱2,234,700.00 based on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) standard valuation. The confiscated items were brought to the ZSPIU office for documentation and subsequent turnover to the BOC Pagadian City Satellite Office.

Meanwhile, in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, a joint operating team composed of personnel from the Regional Intelligence Division 9, 902nd Maneuver Company of RMFB 9, Dumalinao Municipal Police Station (MPS), and ZSPIU conducted an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation at approximately 1:25 AM in Sitio Baroy, Barangay Rebokon, Zamboanga del Sur.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old male suspect and the confiscation of 101 master cases cigarettes without the required BIR tax stamps and graphic health warnings, with an estimated value of ₱5,787,300.00, based on the BOC standard price of ₱57,300 per master case.

The arrested individual and confiscated cigarettes were brought to Dumalinao MPS for proper documentation and disposition.

In total, the two operations yielded 140 master cases of suspected illicit cigarettes worth ₱8,022,000.00, demonstrating the continuing efforts of PRO 9 to disrupt the movement and distribution of undocumented tobacco products in the region.

“PRO 9 will remain relentless in running after those involved in smuggling and other illegal activities. We will continue to strengthen intelligence operations, intensify enforcement efforts, and work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that violators are held accountable under the law. We will not allow illegal activities to undermine lawful trade and public welfare,” PBGen Ragay said.

PRO 9 remains relentless in its campaign against smuggling, illegal trade, and all forms of criminality. In line with the Chief, PNP mantra, “Sa Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” PRO 9 will continue to strengthen law enforcement operations and strategic partnerships to uphold the rule of law and ensure a safer, more secure, and economically stable Region 9. (PIO, PRO 9)