SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. The intensified joint maritime monitoring resulted in the interception of over PHP7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City port on Saturday (July 8, 2023), according to the Bureau of Customs. All of its six crew members failed to present adequate documents to prove the regularity of its prior importation. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday said it has seized PHP7.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a joint operation in Zamboanga port.
In coordination with the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company Seaborne, W2 Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao, and Philippine Airforce in Zamboanga port, the BOC said it busted watercraft "FB Hayarana" which arrived at the local port in Brgy. Manalipa, Zamboanga City on July 8.
"The jungkong was loaded with 203 master cases and 66 reams of assorted cigarettes of various brands: Modern, New Far, Fort, Cannon, and San Marino," the BOC said in a statement.
Jungkong is a local term for a wooden motorized watercraft.
Its crew members failed to prove the regularity of its importation.
To date, both the seized vessel and contents are under the custody of the BOC for proper disposition.
More shabu seizure in Clark port
Meanwhile, the BOC-Port of Clark also reported Tuesday night another interception of PHP3.19 million worth of shabu.
Authorities seized 462 grams of shabu in the shipment last July 4.
Like the previously seized shipments, the illegal drugs were also found concealed in two "dear morning" bread toasters.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment for violation of Section 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. (f), (I), and (l)-(3) and (4) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a separate statement, BOC-Port of Clark district collector Ricardo Uy Morales II vowed to continue strict border controls to combat illegal drug entry.
"Do not attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into Clark because, with our vigilant personnel, we will definitely find and seize them," he said.
As of July 4, the BOC-Port of Clark recorded around PHP105.8 million worth of illegal drugs seizure since the start of January, he added. (PNA)
