PH Coast Guard seizes 22,000 bags of smuggled rice in Basilan

M/L Nadeepa, one of two apprehended vessels on August 24, 2018. Photo by Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seized 22,000 bags of smuggled rice from two vessels in the waters off Basilan.

In a statement on Sunday, the PCG said it first saw one of the two vessels, M/L Overseas, while on maritime patrol near Tamuk Island around 4 p.m. on Friday.

PCG agents boarded the vessel and found 10,000 bags of undocumented rice.

After 20 minutes, PCG also spotted M/L Nadeepa at the vicinity waters off West of Maluso, Basilan where it intercepted 12,000 bags of smuggled rice.

The PCG said both vessels were apprehended and escorted to Zamboanga City Port for proper turnover to the local Bureau of Customs officials for proper disposition. /je