SMUGGLLED cigarattes seized in Western Mindanao. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – More than P100 million in smuggled cigarettes were seized by the Philippine Navy during separate operations from May 23 to 24 in Western Mindanao.
The Naval Command Western Mindanao intercepted two vessels identified as FB Sea Dragon and MPB Sea Horse near Tongkil Island, Sulu province on May 23 where Navy personnel seized 282 cases of undocumented cigarettes valued at P42.7 million.
The following day, Navy personnel intercepted the MB Lappas and seized 473 master cases of undocumented foreign branded cigarettes worth P70.9 million.
Navy personnel who conducted boarding, inspection, and verification processes confirmed that the cargo lacked the necessary legal documents and permits.
The seized vessels and illicit cargoes were transported to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City for inventory and documentation before being handed over to the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Zamboanga for appropriate action.