PCG, PNP seize over P32.5 million smuggled cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday blocked an attempt to smuggle P7.38 million worth of cigarettes to Davao del Sur, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the seizure of P14.08-million smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City and another P11.1 million worth in Palawan.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said a Coast Guard seaborne patrol intercepted the MBCA Camilla off the waters of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, arrested three crewmen and seized 82 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.

“Initial investigation revealed that the contraband originated from Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat and was intended for distribution in Sta. Cruz,” Cayabyab said. 

In Zamboanga City, police intercepted 61 master cases and 715 reams of assorted cigarettes, valued at P14.08 million, during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Campo Islam.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the driver and helpers of a wing van fled after seeing police approaching their vehicle.

“This kind of operation shows that preventing illegal activities becomes more effective when law enforcement agencies cooperate with each other,” Nartatez said.

In Palawan, the PNP Maritime Group seized P11.1 million worth of cigarettes and arrested five people during a joint seaborne anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Bancalaan in Balabac town on Sunday.

Police said the five were transporting cigarettes that lacked the government-required graphic health warnings. The suspects also allegedly failed to present permits.

The five were charged for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Graphic Health Warnings Act as well as for agricultural economic sabotage.

“The successful operation reflects the shared commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and other transnational crimes through sustained maritime law enforcement and intelligence sharing,” Mimaropa police chief Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz said. — Ed Amoroso