Elements of the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, in coordination with the Zamboanga Del Sur Maritime Police Station, seized 123 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of Php 4.3 million in a seaborne patrol on Nov. 19, 2021.

The said elements conducted a seaborne patrol at San Pablo open seas onboard High-Speed Tactical Water Craft – 09 and intercepted a motorized pump boat loaded with assorted smuggled cigarettes. Said pump boat is heading to Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao Del Norte when intercepted.

The watercraft and smuggled cigarettes shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture proceeding under Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).