SMUGGLED cigarettes seized in Sulu.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Naval Command, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs, recently intercepted a vessel allegedly carrying P13-million worth of undocumented cigarettes in the sea of Sulu province.
Authorities held the motorboat with markings Rhomar Khayri approximately 3.8 nautical miles east of Teomabal Island, Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu at around 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, Tuesday.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered a total of 226 master cases of various cigarette brands worth ₱13 million.
The jungkong-type motorboat, valued at ₱150,000, was also seized during the operation.
The shipment violated Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and relevant regulations from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and National Tobacco Administration under Executive Order No. 245.
The vessel and all seized goods were formally handed over to the BOC Zamboanga City for appropriate action the next day.
The four crew members, who were unharmed, were processed and subsequently released.