AN attempt to smuggle cigarette products was intercepted through the intensified sea patrol operation of police authorities off the coast of Manalipa Island in Zamboanga City.
On Saturday, joint personnel of 2nd ZCMFC together with BOC, CISS and ESS conducted the seaborne patrol that led to the arrest of seven individuals who were onboard a motorized wooden watercraft locally known as “Jungkong” loaded with the smuggled goods.
Inventory reveals that the number of confiscated cases sums up to 178 with a market value P6,230,000.
The arrested suspects were identified as Benzar Jajales, Pajing Muknan, Binbin Asiril, Elnejin Asiril, Minkadra Sakili, Sherwin Masakin and Adzmir Bakki.
“No pertinent documents were provided when authorities asked from them. Thus, the need to apprehend those persons. The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition,” PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said.
Danao vows to continue maximizing the PNP’s sea assets as part of the crackdown measures to counter these illicit activities.
