A policeman was arrested after suspected smuggled cigarettes were seized from his vehicle at a checkpoint in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Based on investigation, authorities set the checkpoint up on the national highway in Barangay Tiguma on Sunday, July 12, 2026, after receiving information about the transport of alleged smuggled cigarettes from Lanao del Sur.

At the checkpoint, the cop allegedly failed to present documents for the cargo in his vehicle, which was composed of 251 reams of cigarettes worth more than P1.2 million.

The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office said a sachet of suspected shabu was also found during a search of vehicle.

He cop was assigned at Camp Crame in Quezon City during the arrest.

The cop is facing charges for alleged violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), while appropriate charges in relation to the suspected shabu are also being prepared.

PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., said the organization remains committed to fair law enforcement and holding all personnel accountable to the same standards.

“Ang tiwala ng publiko ay pinangangalagaan natin sa pamamagitan ng pagiging tapat at patas sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Walang sinuman ang dapat lumabag sa batas, lalo na ang mga inaasahang magpatupad nito,” Nartatez said.

TUKURAN OPS

Meanwhile, authorities seized suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than P7.7 million from a minivan during a separate operation in Barangay Panduma, Tukuran town on Monday, July 13.

Police launched an operation after receiving reports that regarding the unloading and storage of illicit cigarettes in Purok Kinhason.

Authorities said the cigarettes lacked the mandatory graphic health warnings.

The driver reportedly failed to show the required documents for the cargo.

The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).