Support to Law Enforcement Operating Teams Confiscate Undocumented Imported Tobacco Products

ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 11, 2019) – Support to Law Enforcement Operation on Anti – Smuggling, Navy Team apprehended a watercraft carrying smuggled imported Tobacco products in sea waters of Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City on April 9, 2019, military official disclosed.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Commander Rear Erick A Kagaoan said that the troops were composed of the elements from Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM); Naval Special Operations Unit-1/6, PN vessel BA485 and NFWM Seaborne Patrol Unit (SPU) under Naval Task Force 61.

Kagaoan added that based on inventory conducted by elements of Bureau of Customs, the Law Enforcement Operation resulted to the successful confiscation of 1,159 cases of undocumented assorted tobacco products and 49 reams of Canon cigarettes with an estimated market value of more or less Twenty Million Pesos (Php20,000,000.00). The watercraft carrying the said cigarettes is identified as MJ ANDREA 1.

Kagaoan explained that the intercepted watercraft was escorted to Zamboanga City Pier and the confiscated items were properly turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Zamboanga for proper disposition. MJ ANDREA 1 was on hold to BOC at Zamboanga City Pier under custody of Philippine Coast Guard for due process.

The NFWM Commander also said that the successful foiling of the alleged illegal transport of smuggled imported tobacco products is a result of the continuous support to law enforcement of the Philippine Navy with partner Government agencies. With this, the Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao under Western Mindanao Command will remain collaborative and supportive to partner agencies in carrying out law enforcement and regulatory functions to keep Western Mindanao safe, secured and progressive. (By JONG CADION with PAO PR and photos)