Alleged smuggling of P12M worth of rice foiled in Basilan

Authorities foiled on Friday the alleged smuggling of P12 million worth of rice off the coast of Basilan.

According to the Philippine Navy, its Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWEM) through Naval Task Force 61 (NTF 61) intercepted M/L Jehan in the vicinity of Lampinigan Island in Basilan.

The vessel, which came from Labuan, Malaysia and with 10 crew on board, was found to be carrying more or less 10,000 sacks of smuggled rice with an estimated market value of P12 million.

The M/L Jehan was said to be en route to Zamboanga City.

Around 10,000 rice sacks were discovered by operatives of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao through the Naval Task Force 61 aboard the M/L Jehan off the coast of Basilan on Friday, July 12, 2019. The rice sacks were not covered by importation documents. Naval  Forces Western Mindanao

The rice sacks were not covered with importation documents, authorities discovered.

The vessel was escorted to Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City for proper documentation before being turned over to the Bureau of Customs. —KG, GMA News