P27.6-M SMUGGLED CIGARETTES INTERCEPTED IN ZAMBOANGA

THE Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) recently seized a motorized wooden craft carrying illegally imported 482 master cases of cigarettes worth P27.6 million in Bgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.

The BOC Water Patrol Division (WPD), together with Enforcement and Security Service-Customs Police Division and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, led a maritime patrol operation which resulted in the seizure of a motor boat marked “FB JFM 2.”

Upon inspection, the watercraft, also known as “Jungkong,” was found to be loaded with smuggled cigarettes.

Nine crew members who failed to present pertinent documents to prove the legality of the importation were arrested.

2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company assisted the Bureau in maneuvering the Jungkong and its cargo to their office in Bgy. Baliwasan, where proper inventory was conducted.

Acting district collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. commended the WPD for the successful maritime security in the area, contributing to the Bureau’s efforts to deter smugglers and prevent the entry of contraband as mandated by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

The seized vessel and cigarettes are now under the custody of the Bureau pending seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 1113(a) of Republic Act 10863 otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016, in relation to Section 117 and the Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations.

Likewise, the Bureau filed a smuggling case against the nine crew members for violation of Section 1401 of the CMTA. They are presently detained at the Zamboanga City Police Station 11.