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TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | P21M WORTH OF SMUGGLED CIGARETTES SEIZED IN ZAMBOANGA; 7 HELD
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police intercepted a major cigarette smuggling attempt off Sta. Cruz Island on November 12, seizing contraband valued at around P21 million and arresting seven men.
PNP Acting Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation started at 4:30 p.m. when patrolling officers spotted two suspicious motorized boats, locally called “Jungkungs.”
Inspection revealed 300 master cases of smuggled cigarettes: 272 cases of Modern Red and 28 cases of Green Hills Menthol. The seven adult male suspects were taken into custody, and the seized goods were secured at Zamboanga City Police Station 11.
“The operation prevented the illegal transport of millions worth of smuggled goods,” Nartatez said, praising the officers for their teamwork and discipline. He added that the PNP continues to target smuggling and organized crime in coastal areas.
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