Vessel loaded with 10M worth of smuggled cigarettes intercepted by gov’t forces

 PAGADIAN CITY (March 30, 2021) - A vessel loaded with more or less 200 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes was intercepted by the military in Sulu on Sunday evening, March 28, 2021.

Acting on an information of a suspected smuggling activity, troops of the Naval Task Group Sulu and Naval Task Force 61 conducted a maritime interdiction operation in waters off Sentil Pier, Kiput, Saimbangon, Pata Island, Sulu,” Western Mindanao Command Chief  Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr said.

Upon arrival at the vicinity, operating troops noticed several motor bancas sailing to and from Lagasan, Maimbong, Sulu.

To confirm the veracity of the information, our Navy Seals and Marine Special Forces conducted Visit Board Search and Seizure Operations to M/V Hana, which resulted in the apprehension of its nine crew members, all of whom are Filipinos, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr. also said.

Troops seized more or less 200 boxes of undocumented “Berlin” and “Fort” cigarettes with an estimated market value amounting to 10M pesos.

According to the vessel's captain, the cigarettes were supposed to be transported to Palawan. He further said that there were more than 200 boxes of contrabands but they unloaded some at sea when they noticed the approaching military vessel.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said the military will continue to intensify its operations to curb the illegal activities in the WestMinCom’s area of operation

The apprehended personalities and confiscated cigarettes were ferried to the Bureau of Customs Office in Zamboanga City for proper filling of the case. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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