AT LEAST P11 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were intercepted by authorities in a joint law enforcement operation against illegal drugs and anti-smuggling activity in Zamboanga City.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command chief, said the smuggled cigarettes were intercepted Saturday, February 9, aboard a commercial ferry that came from Jolo, Sulu and docked at the local port.

Medina said the shipment consisted of 12,640 rims of assorted imported cigarettes.

Medina said this was a result of an intensified and focused maritime patrol and operation of the Philippine Navy in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.

“The Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao will remain vigilant in the conduct of its mandated task to deter any unlawful activities in its area of operation,” he added.

The joint operation was conducted by the elements from Field Station Zamboanga, Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region (PDEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Port Police, Marine Battalion Landing Team-Davao Region, Air Force personnel, Zamboanga Coast Guard Station, and Bureau of Customs. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)