The Bureau of Customs Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) on March 21 intercepted one unit of motorized wooden watercraft “Jungkong” loaded with 141 master cases of undocumented cigarettes estimated to be valued at PHP 4.9 million.

A joint apprehending team composed of BOC-POZ Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) personnel with the PNP 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2nd ZCMFC) conducted a seaborne patrol operation along the vicinity waters of Barangay Arena Blanco in Zamboanga City and intercepted the watercraft carrying the illicit goods.

The watercraft, manned by four (4) crew members from Parang, Sulu, originated from Jolo, Sulu, and was bound for Zamboanga City.

Crew members failed to present legal documents for the alleged smuggled cigarettes and the transport of goods to Zamboanga City.

The master cases of cigarettes were apprehended in violation of Section 117 of R.A. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016 in relation to Executive Order Number 245 entitled “Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Leaf Tobacco and Tobacco Products.”

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the cigarettes by Port of Zamboanga District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla, Jr.

With the guidance and directive of BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to curb smuggling in all forms, BOC-POZ continues to implement intensified anti-smuggling operations and remains steadfast in maintaining close coordination and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

“The BOC ensures the stringent implementation of our anti-smuggling campaign along our national borders. We remain adamant in our efforts to fight smuggling every day and around the clock,” says Commissioner Rubio.

The anti-smuggling efforts of the BOC are consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s standing order to implement effective border control measures in the country.#