Cops seize over P5M smuggled cigarettes in Mindanao
TWO separate operations in Zamboanga City and General Santos City this week resulted in the confiscation of over P5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes being distributed and sold in different parts of Mindanao, Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge (PNP-OIC) Lieutenant General Vicente D. Danao Jr. said on Saturday.
According to the top cop, a seaborne patrol in Zamboanga City led to the interception of two motorized boats locally known as “jungkong” which were both found loaded with an estimated P2.7 million worth of contraband tobacco products.
One of the vessels named F/B Piranja was found loaded with 24 master cases of smuggled Champion Menthol cigarettes, and two boat crew members were arrested.
On the other hand, the second boat marked F/V Wrangler, yielded 40 master cases of the same cigarette, and two boat crew members were also arrested.
An investigation showed that vessels came from Jundilan, Jolo, Sulu and were on their way to Bgy. Recodo in Zamboanga City when intercepted by officers from the Zamboanga City Police Mobile Force and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The owner of the two vessels will also be facing charges before the court, said the PNP-OIC.
In Koronadal City, local policemen responding to a reported vehicular mishap accidentally stumbled upon an estimated P2.7 million worth of smuggled Fort Menthol and New Berlin American Blend Red cigarettes.
A police report said that members of the Koronadal City Police Station found the cigarette products scattered along the road in Gensan Drive, Purok Mabuhay 1 in Bgy. Carpenter Hill, where an Isuzu Elf crashed reportedly due to mechanical trouble.
The driver of the van and his helper were placed under investigation due to the police discovery.
It turned out that the two intended to pass through Koronadal City on their way to Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, where they would deliver the smuggled cigarettes.
During the initial investigation, the driver and his helper failed to present valid transport permits and even their vehicle registration papers.
“We just received reports about smuggling items in another part of Mindanao, and now here comes another. We will remain relentless in our effort to go after these smugglers as they conduct their transactions illegally, which can adversely affect legitimate business and the consumers,” said Lt. Gen. Danao.
