The Philippine Navy (PN) intercepted a motorized fishing vessel carrying ₱16.4 million worth of undocumented tobacco products in a joint maritime law enforcement operation off Basilan.
In a statement, the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) said it was working with Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents in Zamboanga City, when it stopped the suspicious boat, named Sea Bird, about 14.1 nautical miles southeast of Timbungan Island early morning on August 8.
Onboard were five crew members and a large haul of assorted tobacco brands, all without proper documentation.
Authorities said the seizure violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Bureau of Internal Revenue regulations, Executive Order No. 245 on tobacco trade, and National Tobacco Administration directives.
An inventory conducted later that day listed the confiscated items as one fishing vessel valued at ₱250,000 and hundreds of master cases of various cigarette brands, totaling ₱16,439,542.
The vessel and its cargo were turned over to the BOC for legal disposition.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unyielding resolve to protect the nation’s maritime borders against smuggling and other illicit activities,” said Capt. Hilarion D. Cesista, WMNC acting command.
