P25.4-M abandoned smuggled cigarettes recovered in Zamboanga City
By Liza Jocson
AN abandoned motorboat yielded smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police discovered an abandoned motorboat loaded with smuggled cigarettes valued at more than P25 million here on Friday, Sept. 12.
Authorities were conducting seaborne patrol when they chanced upon a blue jungkung with marking "MAKHFIYYAN" in the vicinity of Sacol Island and Manalipa Island.
"Upon approaching the vessel, the team discovered it unmanned, indicating that the crew had abandoned it prior to interception," Customs police chief Lt. Lars JalaniJalani said.
Inspection revealed that the boat was loaded with 400 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.
The vessel was towed to a port.
Coordination has been made with the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Zamboanga to ensure the proper turnover and inventory of the confiscated items and the abandoned vessel.