ZAMBOANGA CITY – Smuggled cigarettes valued at P43 million were seized and six persons were arrested during a seaborne patrol operation in Santa Cruz Island here on Wednesday, June 18.
The Second Mobile Force Company was patrolling the area when they chanced upon two motorboats with markings Aisha and Salwa loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Each of the boats was manned by three crew members who reportedly failed to present documents legalizing the transport of the cigarettes.
The crew members were arrested and the cargo was seized by authorities.
An inventory of the cargo revealed hundreds of master cases of cigarettes valued at P43 million.
The contraband was turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.