P1.165-million smuggled rice, cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled rice from Panguturan, Sulu and boxes of cigarettes from Isabela City, Basilan with an estimated value of P1.165 million were seized from two vessels at a private wharf in Zamboanga City on Monday. 

Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte, district collector at the Port of Zamboanga, said the sacks of rice valued at P665,000 were recovered from ML Nhardzmar-2 at Weebin wharf in Baliwasan Seaside. 

Barte said boxes of cigarettes with an estimated value of around P700,000 were seized from the MV Trisha Kirstin-1 of Aleson Shipping Lines.  

The Bureau of Customs said the crew of the vessels failed to present the necessary importation permits and other pertinent documents. – Roel Pareño