Navy intercepts P7.2M smuggled rice in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Philippine Navy personnel apprehended while patrolling Friday night a motorlaunch loaded with 8,000 sacks of smuggled rice  in the waters off this city, according to an official.

Rear Admiral Jesus Milla, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, said their personnel intercepted the M/L Indah Jehan, owned by a certain Abdul Baki and skippered by Orlando Chugabia, while on maritime patrol in the coastal waters about 10 p.m.

Millan said the naval patrol boat DF322 spotted the motorlaunch while steaming towards the coast of this city.

During the board and search procedure, the naval personnel discovered the watercraft was loaded with 8,000 sacks of rice brand “AAA” of 25 kilos each and with an estimated market value of P7.2 million.

Millan said the apprehended watercraft and its cargoes were properly turned over Saturday morning to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

Millan added that the latest apprehension was part of the intensified conduct of law enforcement and maritime security operations of NFWM to assist the BoC in curbing smuggling in this city and security of the coastal areas against threat groups.