ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted a motorized boat loaded with boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes off the coast of Manalipa Island early Sunday, November 2, resulting in the apprehension of six crew members.
According to the Philippine Navy, the vessel was carrying several cartons of foreign-manufactured cigarettes believed to have originated from Malaysia. The contraband was reportedly being transported through the country’s southern backdoor routes in an attempt to evade customs duties and taxes.
The Navy’s maritime patrol spotted and pursued the suspicious vessel during a routine sea operation. Upon inspection, authorities confirmed that the cargo contained unregistered cigarettes without the necessary import documents.
The six crew members are now in the custody of the authorities for investigation. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is conducting an inventory to determine the total quantity and market value of the seized items.
Smuggling of cigarettes remains a major concern in Western Mindanao, as it continues to deprive the government of millions of pesos in revenue while undermining legitimate trade. Maritime forces have intensified sea patrols in coordination with the BOC and other law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal entry of goods into the country’s borders.