P8.7 million cigarettes seized in Zamboanga Sibugay

MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes worth P8.74 million were seized by the Maritime Police in the waters off Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay yesterday.

The contraband was loaded in a motorized banca, which authorities intercepted at around 4 a.m., according to acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez.

A suspect, whose name was not immediately available, was arrested in the operation that resulted in the seizure of 150 master cases of untaxed cigarettes.

Charges for violating Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization Act will be filed against the suspect, probers said.

The contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.