P14-M smuggled cigarettes seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Operatives of the Bureau of Customs here seized 310 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes with a combined market worth of P13.95 million in Indanan, Sulu and Zamboanga city.

BoC Zamboanga City district collector Segundo Barte Jr. said authorities in Indanan, Sulu seized 300 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes at the BJ Pier located in Barangay Buansa, Indanan on Sunday.

The Police Regional Special Operations Unit 9 and BoC operatives — also seized 10 master cases of Fort brand of cigarettes worth P450,000 along the coastal areas of Barangay Talon-Talon Sunday.

Barte said a concerned citizen reported that several master cases of smuggled cigarettes were at the BJ Pier.

Responding policemen in coordination with operatives of BoC sub-port of Jolo immediately proceeded to the area and saw for themselves assorted brands of imported cigarettes in an open warehouse, which they assumed were under negotiation and about to be transported.

Authorities inspected the cargoes and found 220 master cases of Famous brand of cigarettes, 69 master cases of Vision brand and 11 master cases of Cannon brand.