Authorities were able to seize more than P6.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a sea patrol operation at the coast of Manalipa Island in Zamboanga City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. said seven suspects who were onboard a motorized wooden watercraft locally known as “jungkong” were nabbed on Saturday, GMA News reported.
The PNP said the suspects were identified as Benzar Jajales, Pajing Muknan, Binbin Asiril, Elnejin Asiril, Minkadra Sakili, Sherwin Masakin and Adzmir Bakki.
Personnel from 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, Bureau of Customs (BOC), BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and BOC-Enforcement Security Service confiscated 178 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated market value of P6,23 million.
“No pertinent documents were provided when authorities asked them. Thus, the need to apprehend those persons. The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition,” Danao, in a statement, said.
The PNP OIC said the PNP will “continue maximizing the PNP’s sea assets as part of the crackdown measures to counter illicit activities.”