Troops seize smuggled cigarettes at Zambo wharf
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Government troops seized smuggled cigarettes from a commercial vessel at Zamboanga City International Pier on October 6.
The smuggled cigarettes were seized from MV Mary Joy 1 by elements of Task Force Zamboanga, Philippine Coast Guard, and Task Force Aduana in a law enforcement operation at Zamboanga wharf at 4:30am on Sunday.
Various brands of cigarettes that were concealed in cartons of fruits and fish were seized by the troops.
MV Mary Joy is a passenger vessel from Jolo, Sulu.
“Joint operations are intensified to curtail shipment and importation of contrabands in western Mindanao,” said Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, Task Force Zamboanga Commander.
“Operations are coordinated and strengthened to assist law enforcers in pursuing smugglers and suppressing illegal importation of goods within the borders of western Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command.