P64M smuggled cigarettes seized in Tawi-Tawi town

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PHILIPPINE Navy personnel seized P64 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Simunul town in Tawi-Tawi last Saturday, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) reported yesterday.

The contraband, loaded in a motor launch named M/L Yasmen, was seized by personnel on board the BRP Jose Loor Sr. at the vicinity of Manuk Mangkaw Island, the NFWM said.

The Navy ship was conducting routine maritime security patrol, maritime law enforcement, external defense and sovereign patrol in the area when it spotted M/L Yasmen.

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Navy personnel inspected the vessel and found scores of boxes of Delta cigarettes.

NFWM said the seized cigarettes were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port Bongao Station “for proper disposition and further investigation.”

“This successful operation underscores the Philippine Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation’s borders and combat illegal activities, including smuggling that undermines national security and economic integrity,” the NFWM said in a statement.

NFWM commander Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor said the Navy remains “resolute in our mission to uphold maritime security and promote lawful commerce within Philippine waters.”

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