P11M alleged smuggled cigarettes seized off Basilan
Personnel of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motorized banca allegedly transporting undocumented cigarettes approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Kauluan Island in Basilan.
WMNC said the vessel had four crew members on board and loaded with around 194 master cases of cigarettes.
Authorities said the cargo was believed to be heading to Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay from Jolo, Sulu.
The items confiscated and the crew members were turned over to law enforcement units for investigation.
The vessel, on the other hand, was towed due to engine trouble and brought to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.
'This operation highlights WMNC's continued commitment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and its support for maritime law enforcement efforts in partnership with other agencies to combat smuggling and transnational crimes within the Philippine maritime domain,' WMNC said.
(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)
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P11M alleged smuggled cigarettes seized off Basilan
The Philippine Navy seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P11.5 million in Basilan. Personnel of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motorized banca allegedly transporting undocumented cigarettes approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Kauluan Island in Basilan. WMNC said the vessel had four crew members on board and loaded with around 194 master cases of cigarettes. Authorities said the cargo was believed to be heading to Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay from Jolo, Sulu. The items confiscated and the crew members were turned over to law enforcement units for investigation. The vessel, on the other hand, was towed due to engine trouble and brought to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City. 'This operation highlights WMNC's continued commitment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and its support for maritime law enforcement efforts in partnership with other agencies to combat smuggling and transnational crimes within the Philippine maritime domain,' WMNC said. (With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)
