ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 1 -- Police seized PHP21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested one suspect during an anti-smuggling operation Sunday (Nov. 30, 2025).

Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates, regional police director, said operatives intercepted a wing van at the local port containing 300 master cases of assorted cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle.

A 42-year-old resident of Barangay San Jose Cawa-Cawa was taken into custody for investigation.

Quilates commended the operating units for their effective coordination in curbing the entry of illicit goods.

"This operation underscores our continuing campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine lawful trade and national security," Quilates said in a statement...