ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Some P7.6-million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized from a boat intercepted in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City at dawn Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Zamboanga Second Mobile Force Company and Bureau of Customs personnel were conducting seaborne patrol when they intercepted a boat marked M/L Wafiya.
Upon inspection, authorities found 219 cases of suspected imported smuggled cigarettes with a market value of P7.6-million.
Authorities held boat captain Muktar Abdulgapur and four other crew members after failing to present documents to legalize the transport of the cargo.
The boat, more commonly called ‘jungkong’ was said to have come from the Sulu province and was on its way to Baliwasan in Zamboanga City when it was apprehended.