ZAMBOANGA CITY – Contraband cigarettes valued at P7 million were seized in an anti-smuggling operation off Manalipa Island here on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-9 spokesperson, said the 2nd Zamboanga Mobile Force Company and Bureau of Customs were conducting seaborne patrol when they spotted a wooden boat locally known as “jungkong” marked “Raptor.”
Upon inspection, authorities found 200 master cases and 10 reams of cigarettes.
The boat was manned by five crew members who failed to present documents to legalize transport of the cargo.
Chang said the boat came from Jolo, Sulu and was on its way to General Santos City when it was intercepted in Zamboanga City.
The boat and crew are now in the custody of the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.