Authorities have arrested three people and confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P37 million in Zamboanga City.

The anti-smuggling operation was carried out by personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Criminal Investigation Unit in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement units.

During the operation, the team intercepted a motorboat loaded with around 642 master cases of cigarettes at Lig Marine Port in Barangay Campo Islam.

Three suspects were allegedly caught unloading the cigarettes. They are residents of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

The seized items were turned over to the BOC while the suspects were taken into police custody and may face charges for alleged violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).

"This successful operation is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to protect our borders and uphold the rule of law. We will never allow Zamboanga Peninsula to become a transit point of any criminal activity. To those who persist in defying the law—we are watching, we are prepared, and we will act,” Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) Director, Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo, said.