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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Navy, Customs foil attempt to smuggle P6-M cigarettes in Sulu

Philippines

Navy, Customs foil attempt to smuggle P6-M cigarettes in Sulu

By Liza Jocson

ONE-hundred eighty-two cases of smuggled cigarettes loaded in a ‘jungkong’ were intercepted by Navy and Customs personnel off Balod Island in Sulu Sunday, July 31. (Navy photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle more than P6-million worth of cigarettes in Sulu Sunday, July 31.

They intercepted a boat, locally known as “jungkong,” manned by five crew members three kilometers off Balod Island in Sulu and gave chase after the vessel tried to escape after sensing the presence of authorities.

Navy personnel were able to catch up with the vessel and discovered 182 cases of smuggled cigarettes worth P6.620 million on board.

Five crew members, identified as Monal Sappari Halili, Asmad Ismael Tingkahan, Latas Tingkahan Ismael, Alsi Tingkahan, and Bardi Ukkang, were held and subjected to a medical checkup at the Camp Navarro General Hospital here.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-IX were called to conduct an inspection for the possible presence of illegal drugs among the contraband.

The apprehended persons and seized cargo were turned over to the BOC.

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs cigarettes SMUGGLING philippine navy sulu

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