Authorities intercepted P14.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in the waters off Barangay Marigondon, Pio Duran, Albay, early Wednesday morning.
According to a report from the Philippine National Police, a boat carrying nine individuals and 368 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes was stopped during a maritime patrol by Ligao’s Maritime Law Enforcement Team (MLET).
As officers approached, the suspects attempted to flee by capsizing their boat and throwing the contraband into the sea. The operation successfully apprehended the individuals and recovered the evidence.
The suspects are now in the custody of the MLET for proper disposition as authorities investigate the smuggling operation further.
