P16M alleged smuggled cigarettes seized in Sultan Kudarat
Personnel of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motorized fishing vessel carrying undocumented tobacco products during a maritime law enforcement operation approximately 40.23 nautical miles northwest of Nara Point, Kalamansig.
The boat has five crew members on board.
Seized during the operation were up to 280 master cases of tobacco products.
'A joint inspection yielded 280 master cases of tobacco products onboard, suspected of violating Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), relevant Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulations, and provisions under Executive Order No. 245 issued by the National Tobacco Administration,' WMNC said.
The crew members arrested were released later while the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs.
'This successful interdiction underscores the Western Mindanao Naval Command's steadfast commitment to upholding maritime law, protecting national economic interests, and supporting government initiatives against smuggling within the country's maritime domain,' WMNC added.
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