Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P16 million in the waters off Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City.

Police said personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and other police units were on seaborne patrol when they intercepted a motorized boat with two Filipino crew members on board.

The team also discovered another motorized boat, which was abandoned in the area.

Authorities said both vessels were loaded with up to 280 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than P16 million.

The seized items and the boats were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) while the men arrested were brought to the Zamboanga City Police Station.

“Smuggling undermines our economy and deprives the government of rightful revenues. We will continue to strengthen our maritime patrols and law enforcement operations to stop these illegal activities at sea. Hindi kami titigil sa pagbabantay sa ating karagatan laban sa mga sindikatong umaabuso sa batas,” PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said.