Smuggling remains a persistent challenge in many societies, and recent developments in Zamboanga City highlight the scale of this illegal trade. Through enhanced maritime patrols and strengthened interagency coordination, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed significant progress in the Sta. Cruz Island smuggling case, with the total value of confiscated cigarettes on November 12, 2025, amounting to over Php107 Million, following the completion of two separate inventories the next day.
Under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, this latest update builds on earlier information regarding the arrest of seven adult male crew members and the seizure of Php21,000,000 worth of cigarettes from the Jungkung vessel M/B SOPHIA JAYY. The initial inventory at 1:00 AM documented 272 master cases of Modern Red and 28 master cases of Green Hills Menthol.
The progress report confirmed that a follow-up inventory conducted at 8:00 AM on the same date uncovered an even larger shipment aboard another Jungkung vessel, M/B ZHYRYNE. The vessel was found carrying 800 master cases of Soda Red and 382 master cases of Soda Menthol amounting to Php86,240,000. This brings the total number of recovered items from both vessels to 1,532 master cases, marking one of the biggest cigarette-smuggling interceptions in Zamboanga City this year.
The successful operation was the result of coordinated efforts by personnel of the Zamboanga City Police Station (ZCPS) during a seaborne patrol in the waters near Sta. Cruz Island. As of this writing, all seven suspects remain under the custody of the ZCPS for proper disposition.
“The completion of the follow-up inventory confirms the full magnitude of this smuggling attempt. Our personnel acted decisively to document and secure every master case, leaving no room for oversight. This operation underscores the importance of persistence, coordination, and vigilance in protecting our communities and preventing illegal trade,” said PLtGen Nartatez.
He added that this accomplishment reflects the PNP Focused Agenda—a blueprint aimed at enhancing capability, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the organization. Anchored on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the agenda strengthens the PNP’s resolve to disrupt smuggling activities and ensure economic security.
PNP reiterates its commitment to its mission of protecting communities, upholding the rule of law, and combating all forms of illegal trade.
