P1.8 million smuggled cigarettes seized in Basilan

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P1.8 million were seized in the waters off Basilan on Sunday night.

The cigarettes were loaded in a watercraft that was intercepted by a joint team of municipal and provincial police officers near the town of Hadji Muhtamad, according to Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director.

The boat, which was loaded with 140 master cases of cigarettes with Indonesian brands, was reportedly headed to Zamboanga City.

The boat’s three crewmembers – identified as Christopher Manood, Edgar Salomia and Kiram Lawamama – failed to present pertinent documents for their cargo. They were brought to the police station for questioning.

The cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, Guyguyon said.