ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), in coordination with partner agencies, intercepted a motorized banca carrying undocumented foreign brand cigarettes off the coast of San Ramon, Zamboanga City on October 2.
The vessel, identified as M/B Zamya and owned by Jomar Akbar, was found loaded with 28 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱1,679,400.
Authorities subjected the two crew members to proper documentation before releasing them with their personal belongings. Meanwhile, the seized vessel and contraband were turned over to concerned agencies for proper disposition in accordance with the law.
The WMNC said the operation highlights its strengthened campaign against maritime smuggling and its commitment to enforce maritime laws in Western Mindanao, consistent with the Philippine Navy’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).