ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 4 -- Authorities have confiscated PHP45.2 million worth of contraband and illegal drugs during relentless law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula in September, an official announced Saturday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), said that through 18 coordinated operations across the region, they seized PHP41.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven individuals involved in smuggling activities.

Matta commended the successful operations and emphasized the importance of ongoing anti-smuggling efforts in the region.

He highlighted that the accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of PRO-9 personnel in protecting the ...