P9.7 million in smuggled cigarettes seized by Navy in Sulu

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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Navy has reported on Tuesday that its forces in Sulu have seized close to P10 million worth of smuggled cigarettes over the weekend.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWEM), said the contrabands were loaded in two motorboats, locally known as jungkong, that were intercepted by naval forces over eight nautical miles off Sulade island in Parang town, Sulu.

The naval forces were on maritime patrol en route to Tawi-Tawi on Saturday when they chanced upon the motorboats.

When inspected, Navy personnel discovered 278 master cases of assorted brands of cigarettes.

Navy Lieutenant Chester Ross Cabaltera, spokesperson of the NAVFORWEM, said the two watercraft with markings M/B Ameera and M/B Fatima Shaina, were brought to the Ensign Majini Pier here while the total of eight crew were first brought to the naval station before being turned over to the local police.

The contraband, which is estimated to value P9.73 million, were turned over to the Bureau of Customs, Caballera said.

The crew of the boats are all residents of Indanan town, Sulu. Cabaltera said the crew were given medical attention.