Smuggled rice seized in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA , Philippines —  Law enforcement agents seized smuggled rice from three cargo vessels from Malaysia in a joint operation Saturday night off the coast here.

The joint Philippine Coast Guard and law enforcement units aboard the BRP Bagacay MRRV 4410 and two rubberized-hulled inflatable boats intercepted M/V Aizalyn 3, M/L Jasmin Michael and M/L Habiba at about 6:50 p.m. while heading toward a private wharf.

The vessels were loaded with smuggled rice packed in blue sacks, at 50 kilos each, with “Emperor” and “Crown 88” markings.