2 Operation in Zamboanga City Seized P5.6 Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes
Authorities seized a total of P5.6 million worth of smuggled counterfeit cigarettes in (two) 2 separated operation in Zamboanga City.
A motorized wooden sailboat, colloquially known as the “jungkong,” was intercepted at 2 a.m., filled with 90 cases of contraband cigarettes. The contraband, valued at P3.150 million, was discovered off the coast of Baliwasan, a coastal village within Zamboanga city proper.
Another jungkong was intercepted an hour later off the coast of Mariki, a small community. The “Yasmeen” boat was carrying 70 cases of contraband tobacco valued at P2.450 million.
The apprehending units conducted a combined inventory and screening with personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-9) to check for the existence of illegal substances. The Bureau of Customs has also taken custody of seven crew members (BOC).
Meanwhile, during a series of buy-bust operations conducted by officials in Bulacan province, seven suspects accused of smuggling counterfeit cigarettes were apprehended in separate areas.
The operation was carried out in the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, and Pandi in the province of Bulacan by a joint team of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and the Doa Remedios Trinidad Municipal Police Station (DRT).
Operatives recovered a total of 241 reams of Moon cigarettes and two reams of D&B cigarettes from the seven suspects, all of which were described as “smuggled and/or untaxed cigarettes.” The detained suspects’ cases are currently being prepared for filing.
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