ZAMBOANGA CITY- Some P170.14-million in smuggled cigarettes were intercepted in the seas off Parang, Sulu on Friday, August 14.
Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) personnel also held 24 persons on board, composed of five crew members and 19 laborers.
NCWM personnel under Naval Task Force 61 conducted a maritime operation that intercepted the motorized banca.
Upon inspection, authorities found 695 master cases of imported cigarettes. The seized cargo amounted to a total of P171.14-million.
The cargo, the vessel crew, and the boat were brought to the Bureau of Customs Zamboanga port for disposition.