Zamboanga City — Acting upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching order for a more aggressive stance against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Zamboanga, in coordination with the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (Seaborne) of the Police Regional Office 9, intercepted a motorboat carrying alleged smuggled cigarettes in the vicinity waters of Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City on April 13, 2025.

The motorboat was intercepted after authorities observed suspicious maritime activity near the island. Upon inspection, the individuals on board failed to present any importation or transport documents to prove the legality of the motorboat’s cargo, raising suspicion of smuggling activity.

A joint inventory conducted by BOC and PNP personnel confirmed that the motorboat was carrying fifty (50) master cases and twenty-three (23) reams of Bravo-brand cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱2.8 million, while the vessel was valued at around ₱150,000.

The seized cigarettes were immediately turned over to the BOC and secured inside a Customs-rented warehouse. The facility is under constant guard while awaiting the proper legal disposition of the case. Meanwhile, the individuals apprehended during the operation are currently under custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 11.

The BOC – Port of Zamboanga continues to urge the public to report suspicious cargo activities and assist in the fight against smuggling by contacting the nearest Customs office or law enforcement authority.

This latest enforcement success echoes the strong commitment of President Marcos Jr.’s administration to eradicating smuggling and protect legitimate industries from unfair competition. The BOC remains steadfast in responding to this call by strengthening maritime patrols and enhancing interagency coordination.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed the BOC’s proactive approach in disrupting cigarette smuggling activities: “The fight against cigarette smuggling remains a top priority for the Bureau. We are intensifying our operations to dismantle illicit networks that undermine public health and lawful commerce. With the backing of the President and our law enforcement allies, we are committed to protecting both revenue and our people.”