Smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱ 2.1M were intercepted in the MBLT-11 Checkpoint, Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City.
Accordingly, at around 1:17 P.M. of June 4,2022, the Operating Units of 111 Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-11 together with the personnel of Zamboanga City Police Office conducted a checkpoint in the aforementioned place and arrested a 27 year old suspected smuggler on board a white Toyota Van, identified as Almasil A. Akin. Upon inspection, the operatives discovered that the vehicle is loaded with 50 boxes and 50 reams of FORT smuggled cigarettes. Since the subject failed to provide the pertinent documents, the authorities brought him to Zamboanga City Police Station- 11 for further investigation, while the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper documentation and disposition.
The White Toyota Van and the smuggled cigarettes shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture proceeding, under Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
In line with the government’s Anti-Smuggling Campaign, the Area Police Command, Western Mindanao and other agencies are intensifying their operations against the importation of illegal goods; which resulted to the confiscation and disposal smuggled items amounting to millions of pesos. (Kristine Perez)
(Source: Area Police Command Western Mindanao)