Police confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P16 million in the waters of Manalipa Island, Zamboanga City.

Personnel of the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) and other law enforcement units intercepted a suspicious motorized vessel loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered up to 226 master cases of assorted cigarettes worth around P15.8 million.

The operating team also confiscated two Garand rifle, which were turned over to the Zamboanga City Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination.

PRO-9 said the seven crew members on board, all residents of Sultan Kudarat, reportedly failed to present documents for the cargo and were taken into police custody.

“This operation sends a clear message: our waters and borders are not safe havens for illegal activity. The seizure of smuggled cigarettes, an act of economic sabotage, along with the recovery of illegal firearms, underscores our unyielding resolve to dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and economic stability,” PRO-9 Director, Brigadier General Eleazar Matta, said.