ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy seized P39.8-million worth of smuggled cigarettes in three maritime interdiction operations around Basilan and Zamboanga City, officials reported Monday.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command, said the biggest haul occurred Sunday when Navy personnel apprehended a fishing vessel southeast of Tolonpisa Island, Basilan.
The operation netted 519 master cases of cigarettes worth P29.9 million and led to the arrest of five crewmen.
Earlier interceptions on Friday and last Monday also resulted in the confiscation of an additional P9.9 million worth of contraband from two motorboats.
Reyes said all confiscated items, vessels, and crew were turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation for proper disposition.
The operational successes reaffirmed the command's commitment to countering maritime smuggling and strengthening coastal security. (PNA)