Authorities arrested four people and seized around 900 bags of alleged smuggled sugar in Barangay Cawit, Zamboanga City on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Police and personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) launched an operation based on an intelligence-driven efforts, which resulted in the discovery of a truck loaded with hundreds of bags of alleged smuggled sugar.

The Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) said additional sacks of sugar of the same brand were found stacked nearby. Authorities are validating the illicit cargo.

BOC is still completing the inventory of the goods seized from two 10-wheeler wing van trucks.

The individuals arrested are facing charges for alleged violations of Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611) and Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 (RA 10845). Investigators are looking into the owner of the goods, who will also be held liable.

“PRO-9 remains steadfast in the its commitment to uphold the law and will relentlessly pursue those who engage in illegal activities within our area of responsibility. We will enforce the law with firm resolve, and all violators will be held accountable for their actions,” PRO-9 Director, Brigadier General Bowenn Joey Masauding, said..