Authorities in Zamboanga City intercepted an estimated P43 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on Wednesday in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz Island. Col. Fidel Fortaleza, the acting director of the Zamboanga City Police Office, reported that two motorboats with markings “AISHA” and “SALWA” loaded with allegedly smuggled cigarettes were trapped by a seaborne patrol operation.

Fortaleza added that each vessel was manned by three individuals. “A total of six crew were arrested and turned over to Police Station 11 (Central) for further investigation and disposition,” he said.

Members of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Zamboanga led the inventory of the more than 700 master cases of different brands of cigarettes with a total estimated market value of P43,030,248.00. The contraband and two motorboats were turned over to BOC-Port of Zamboanga, while arrested individuals were brought to the Zamboanga City Police Station 11 (Central) for custody.