Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) agents arrested two suspects and confiscated PHP2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes early Sunday in the waters off Basilan province.
WMNC commander Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. said the contraband was intercepted around 1:23 a.m. off Hadji Muhtamad town. The two crew members, both Basilan residents, were taken into custody along with the illegal cargo.
Sailors aboard BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) spotted the motorized boat M/B Water Blade during a routine maritime security patrol. The vessel was carrying 40 master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes.
“This apprehension demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to protect the country’s waters against smuggling and other illegal activities. WMNC will remain steadfast in supporting inter-agency efforts to secure our maritime borders and preserve economic stability,” Reyes said in a statement.
The seized items and vessel were turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga for disposition after a joint inventory with WMNC. The operation follows a similar bust three days earlier, when the same ship arrested five individuals and seized PHP9.1 million in contraband off Sulu.