An additional P86.24-million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes has been recovered from two boats intercepted by authorities in the waters off Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.
The PNP previously noted that it intercepted the boats near Santa Cruz Island on Wednesday, initially finding 300 master cases of cigarettes worth P21 million.
‘The progress report now confirms that a follow-up inventory, carried out at 8:00 a.m. on the same date, uncovered a much larger shipment on the Jungkung M/B Zhyryne,’ the PNP said in a statement.
‘The vessel was found carrying 800 master cases of Soda Red and 382 master cases of Soda Menthol, amounting to P86,240,000.00,’ it added.
The PNP further noted that the total number of confiscated master cases from the two intercepted boats is now 1,532, worth a total of P107 million – ‘one of the most substantial cigarette-smuggling interceptions in Zamboanga City this year.’
The boats were intercepted during a seaborne police patrol operation, according to the PNP.
Seven men aboard the boats were arrested and brought to the Zamboanga City Police Station for proper disposition. The PNP did not identify the individuals nor provide details about their backgrounds.
Mugshots shared by the PNP show the suspects awaiting charges for violation of Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.