Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday reported the interception of a motorized boat carrying smuggled cigarettes valued at about Php 14 million in the waters off Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The operation was carried out on the morning of Feb. 23 by personnel of the Maritime Group Regional Maritime Unit 9 with support from the Philippine Army’s 1st Military Intelligence Battalion and other seaborne units.
Authorities said the team was conducting a maritime patrol when they spotted a grey and blue motorized boat marked “YANA-1” and moved to intercept it.
Three Filipino men were found manning the vessel, which was loaded with 350 master cases of assorted cigarettes, including brands identified during inspection.
Police estimated the total market value of the seized cargo at around Php 14,000,000.00 and immediately secured the boat and its contents.
The vessel and confiscated items were later brought to the Regional Maritime Unit 9 headquarters in Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City for documentation and proper legal processing under Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the seizure demonstrated the police force’s continuing efforts to curb illegal trade and protect local industries from smuggling activities.
He added that sustained maritime patrols and coordinated operations remain part of ongoing measures to strengthen coastal security and deter illicit transport of contraband in key maritime areas.