The Philippine Navy intercepted illegal cigarettes worth a total of P17.89 million earlier this week off the coast of the Pangutaran Islands in Sulu.
According to the Navy, the items were seized from a motorboat named ‘Mati Jaihana,’ located about six miles south of Pangutaran Island, Sulu.
“The boat was carrying 300 boxes of illegal cigarettes worth an estimated PHP 17.89 million, lacking the required import documents,” said Naval Forces Western Mindanao Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Chester Ross Cabaltera.
The ‘Mati Jaihana,’ which was traveling from Pangutaran Island to Luuk, Sulu, was escorted to Zamboanga City by the Navy.
The boat and its five crew members, all in good health, were handed over to the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City for further investigation and processing.
This seizure is part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the country’s borders in coordination with the Bureau of Customs.
“These actions support national security and help prevent the illegal trade of tobacco products, which violates laws aimed at regulating imports,” Cabaltera added.
