09/10/2026
NEARLY P24-M SUSPECTED SMUGGLED GOODS SEIZED IN THREE SEPARATE OPERATIONS
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), separate police operations in Cebu, Sarangani Province, and Zamboanga City resulted in the seizure of nearly P24 million worth of suspected smuggled goods, including ci******es and alleged sodium cyanide, and the arrest of nine individuals.
The combined estimated value of the confiscated items reached P23.99 million, reflecting the results of police actions carried out from October 7 to the early hours of October 8.
In Naga City, Cebu, police personnel recovered 33 boxes and 210 reams of assorted suspected smuggled ci******es estimated at P3.4 million while conducting a hot-pursuit operation related to a previous shooting incident. One individual was arrested in connection with the operation.
In Sarangani Province, authorities seized 32 sacks of alleged sodium cyanide weighing approximately 2,035 kilograms, with an estimated value of P1.92 million. The seized material was turned over to the local environment office for proper custody and disposition.
The biggest haul was recorded in Zamboanga City, where an anti-smuggling operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of 124 master cases and 35 reams of suspected smuggled ci******es estimated at P18.67 million, along with a motorized boat.
Chief PNP PGen Nartatez said the separate operations show the PNP’s continuing efforts to stop suspected smuggled goods from reaching the market.
“We know that smuggling is not something we can address through one operation alone. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho natin—makinig sa impormasyon, kumilos agad, at makipag-ugnayan sa mga concerned agencies. We will keep doing our part to prevent these illegal goods from reaching the market,” PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP said these efforts are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which strengthens timely coordination, field responsiveness, and effective police action.
The operations also support the administration's continuing efforts under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen law enforcement and protect communities and legitimate businesses from activities that undermine public safety and lawful commerce.
The PNP will continue to work with concerned government agencies and local authorities in addressing smuggling and other illegal activities, consistent with its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
