CAMP COL ROMEO A ABENDAN, Zamboanga City, Philippines — The relentless efforts of Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 to suppress smuggling and other forms of illicit trade continue to yield significant results following the arrest of a suspected smuggler and the seizure of approximately ₱2.8 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an early morning operation in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, on September 25.

At about 3:30 AM, personnel of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit, in coordination with operatives of the Liloy Municipal Police Station (MPS), intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes that had docked along the shoreline of Barangay Timan, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

Arrested was a 39 year-old, male, and a resident of Purok Nangka, Barangay Culasian, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Confiscated during the operation were 44 cases of San Marino cigarettes, 5 cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes and 1 unit of white pump boat.

Based on the Bureau of Customs Standard Price Index, the confiscated cigarettes have an estimated total value of ₱2,807,700.00.

“This accomplishment reflects the relentless commitment of Police Regional Office 9 to suppress smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in the Zamboanga Peninsula. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations, strengthen coordination among our units and partner agencies, and maintain heightened vigilance along our coastal areas and other possible entry points,” Police Brigadier General Elmer E Ragay, Regional Director of PRO 9 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)