Authorities confiscated more than ₱105.9 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during coordinated anti-smuggling operations in Pagadian City and the municipality of Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, on June 29.
The operations were conducted by the 53rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in coordination with the Pitogo Municipal Police Station, the Pagadian City Police Station, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Bureau of Customs Region IX.
The simultaneous operations were carried out in Barangay White Beach in Pagadian City and Barangay Punta Flecha in Pitogo.
In Barangay White Beach, authorities recovered 611 boxes of assorted cigarettes, consisting of 382 boxes of Berlin brand and 229 boxes of Fort brand cigarettes.
Authorities also seized a Forward Wing-Van truck with Plate No. GLV 595, one motorized pump boat and five indigenous boats locally known as bote-bote, which were believed to have been used in the alleged smuggling operation.
Meanwhile, personnel conducting operations in Barangay Punta Flecha intercepted and recovered 60 master cases of assorted cigarettes.
All confiscated cigarettes and recovered assets were turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region IX office in Pagadian City for documentation, inventory and the filing of appropriate legal actions under existing laws and regulations.
The operation was conducted through the joint efforts of military, police and customs authorities as part of anti-smuggling operations in the province.
Authorities said the seizure reflects continued coordination among government agencies in efforts to curb smuggling activities and enforce customs laws in coastal areas of Zamboanga del Sur.
The 53rd Infantry Battalion said it will continue supporting law enforcement operations aimed at preventing illegal activities in the province through sustained coordination with partner agencies.
