Manila: The Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) has turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday some P234.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes recently seized off Zamboanga Sibugay. Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., NCWM commander, declared that the confiscated contraband consisted of 1,491 master cases of assorted foreign brands of cigarettes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the smuggled cigarettes were seized during a maritime law enforcement operation on July 19 in the waters off Lutangan Island, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay. Reyes stated that the seizure disrupted a large-scale smuggling operation that threatens government revenues, legitimate commerce, and the security of Western Mindanao's maritime routes. The seized items were turned over to the BOC-Port of Zamboanga for appropriate legal disposition.
Reyes emphasized that the confiscation of the contraband demonstrates the firm resolve of NCWM to deny illicit traders the freedom to exploit the region's seas for unlawful gain. He noted that Western Mindanao's waters will never be a safe passage for smugglers, and every attempt to use them for illegal trade will be met with decisive action.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard, together with the police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, seized an estimated PHP4.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two warehouses Tuesday in Barangay Kasanyangan in this city. The Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga reported that the inter-agency law enforcement operation was launched to verify reports regarding the possible presence of illegal drugs inside several packages at the two warehouses. During the inspection, the K9 detection dogs initially indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs. However, after opening and conducting a thorough physical inspection of the packages, authorities found no illegal drugs. Instead, the boxes contained assorted cigarettes.
Seized were a total of 1,515 reams or 30 master cases and 15 reams of assorted undocumented cigarettes. On the other hand, the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) reported it has confiscated some PHP59 million worth of assorted smuggled cigarettes and arrested 27 persons since January this year. Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Baroquillo Jr., 1ID commander, said the smuggled cigarettes were seized as they intensified support to law enforcement operations across Western Mindanao in partnership with the police, BOC, and other government agencies.
Baroquillo emphasized that the campaign reinforces the 1ID's mission of safeguarding peace and national security by helping dismantle smuggling networks that fuel criminal activities and deprive the government of vital revenues. He encouraged the public to report illegal activities as part of a collective effort to promote peace, security, and economic stability throughout Western Mindanao.
