The Philippine Navy said its Western Mindanao Naval Command intercepted two maritime smuggling operations off Basilan within 48 hours, resulting in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth P526.3 million.
In a statement, the Western Mindanao Naval Command said naval units operating under Naval Task Force 61 intercepted two motorboats carrying nearly 3,916 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes intended for distribution in mainland Mindanao.
Authorities also arrested 21 crew members during the operations.
On May 13 at about 3:10 p.m., authorities intercepted M/B ZHYZHY in Basilan waters. Boarding teams found 2,519 master cases of cigarettes on board.
The vessel’s captain and 13 crew members from Basilan failed to present valid shipping and importation documents.
A joint inventory conducted with the Bureau of Customs placed the value of the confiscated cargo and vessel at P317.35 million, including P1.2 million for the boat.
On May 15, Naval Task Force 61 units intercepted JTK EXPRESS southeast of Matanal Point in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
Authorities found 1,400 master cases of cigarettes on board the vessel, which reportedly originated from Tawi-Tawi and was bound for Pagadian City.
The vessel’s captain and six crew members also failed to present importation permits. Authorities valued the seized cargo and vessel at P208.95 million.
All arrested individuals were brought to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.
The confiscated cargo and vessels were turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga for disposition and the filing of charges under Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The Western Mindanao Naval Command said the operations formed part of efforts to secure the country’s maritime borders and prevent the entry of illegal goods through southern maritime routes.
