Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seized PHP7.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in an anti-smuggling operation on the west coast of this city on Thursday afternoon. In a report on Friday, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) stated that the contraband was seized along the shoreline of Barangay Cawit.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CGDSWM initiated the anti-smuggling operation following an intelligence report indicating that suspected smuggled cigarettes were being unloaded from a motorboat along the shore of the village. The operation led to the discovery of the contraband, although no arrests were made as the cigarettes were abandoned by their supposed owner or shipper upon noticing the presence of authorities.

The CGDSWM reported, "Upon approach of Coast Guard personnel, the smugglers on board their motorboat immediately sped toward the open sea, leaving the contraband behind." The team attempted to pursue and intercept the vessel but was unsuccessful due to rough sea conditions.

Confiscated at the shoreline were approximately 110 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, estimated to be worth PHP7.1 million. The contraband was subsequently transported to Coast Guard Station - Zamboanga for proper inventory and turnover to the Bureau of Customs for further investigation.