P6.62 million in smuggled cigarettes seized in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines — More than P6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized by naval troops in the waters two nautical miles off Balod Island in Banguingui town, Sulu on Sunday.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said the contraband cigarettes were aboard a jungkong, a wooden boat.

The cargo consisted of 182 master cases of imported cigarettes with brands like Astro and Fort, with an aggregate market value of P6.62 million.

Adaci said authorities also seized the boat used for smuggling.

“There was a chase when the boat crew sensed the presence of the operating units. They attempted to flee under the cover of darkness,” Adaci said.

But the authorities caught up with the boat.

Adaci identified the crew as Monal Sappari Haili, Asmad Ismael Tingkahan, Latas TIngkahan Ismael, Bardi Ukkang, and Alsi Tingkahan.

The seized boat was brought to the Ensign Majini Pier at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City, while the five boat crew and the smuggled cigarettes were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Customs.

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