ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines —Amid authorities busy enforcing enhanced community quarantine measures, traders from Sulu attempted to take advantage of the situation by shipping in cigarettes, disguised as essential goods. On Tuesday, April 14, a Navy patrol boat intercepted at sea a wooden-hull boat that sailed from Jolo, Sulu, pretending to carry essential goods, according to Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). ADVERTISEMENTThe patrol boat personnel, who are members of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, inspected the cargo and found 200 boxes of contraband cigarette,s with brands like Bravo and Fort. Rear Adm.Erick Kagaoan, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao ordered the immediate turnover of the smuggled goods to the Bureau of Customs. The boat carrying the contraband was temporarily brought to Ensign Majini Pier in Barangay Calarian while customs personnel conducted assessment and documentation.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 15, 2020 18:34 UTC