Photo courtesy of PNP
Police and customs authorities intercepted a boat carrying nearly Php 3.5 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a maritime patrol off Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police said.
The operation took place on Aug. 24 in waters near Zone 5, Barangay Ayala, where personnel spotted and stopped a gray-and-orange motorized boat carrying two men and the cigarette shipment.
Authorities placed the value of the seized cigarettes at Php 3.49 million. The two Filipino men, both of legal age, were taken into custody for further proceedings.
The patrol involved personnel from the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, Zamboanga City Police Station 9 and the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga.
The confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the proper authorities for documentation and disposition, while police said the appropriate case was being processed.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the interception highlighted the need for sustained law enforcement presence in waterways and other areas used for the movement of illicit goods.
“Every successful interception is an opportunity to prevent a bigger problem. Kaya mahalaga ang presence natin sa mga strategic areas, lalo na sa waterways, at ang mabilis na pagtutulungan ng PNP at partner agencies,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it continued to coordinate with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies to secure strategic entry points and waterways against suspected smuggling and other illicit trade.