P8.275 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga City

MANILA, Philippines — Assorted smuggled cigarettes amounting to P8.275 million were intercepted by authorities in Zamboanga City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Thursday.

Some 300 master cases of smuggled Bravo, Fort, Tradition, LS, Astro cigarettes were found onboard vessel MJ NR 4 in Barangay Lower Calarian in Zamboanga City during an operation conducted by the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Zamboanga Operatives, in coordination with the Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM) and Naval Special Operating Unit (NAVSOU) on April 14.

The operation was conducted following reports that a motorized banca loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes from Jolo, Sulu is anchored within the vicinity of Stanvac Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City.

The shipment will be subjected to issuance of Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for lack of permit from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) and for violation of Executive Order No. 245 and Republic Act No. 10863, BOC said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1259534/p8-275m-worth-of-smuggled-cigarettes-intercepted-in-zamboanga-city