Troops seize P106-M smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga del Sur
SMUGGLED cigarettes in Zamboanga del Sur. (FB)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Troops from the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB), with the support of partner agencies, have seized some P105.9-million worth of contraband in separate law enforcement operations on Monday in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
In a statement Tuesday, the 53rd IB said that 671 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes were seized during two separate anti-smuggling operations.
“Of the total, 611 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes were seized in Barangay White Beach, Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur province,” the Army unit said.
Also seized in Barangay White Beach were a wing-van truck, one motorboat, and five indigenous boats locally known as “bote-bote” used in the illegal cigarette trade.
On the same day, the 53rd IB said 60 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes were also seized by operating troops in Barangay Punta Flecha, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur. Three suspected smugglers were arrested at the scene.
“The joint operation resulted in the confiscation of alleged smuggled cigarettes with a combined estimated market value of more than P105.9 million,” the 53rd IB added in its report.
All the confiscated items and recovered assets were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Pagadian City for proper documentation and legal proceedings in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The anti-smuggling operations were conducted in collaboration with the BOC, police forces from Pagadian City and Pitogo, and the Police Maritime Group.
“The successful operation reflects the strong collaboration among government agencies in combating smuggling activities that undermine economic security and public welfare,” the 53rd IB said. (PNA)