P7.2-M smuggled rice seized in Zambo City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Members of the Philippine Navy intercepted a motorboat loaded with 8,000 sacks of rice as they were patrolling the waters off this city Friday night, officials said yesterday.

The sacks of rice, estimated to be worth P7.2 million, were seized from the M/L Indah Jehan by elements of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) at around 10 p.m., said Rear Admiral Jesus Millan, NFWM commander.

Millan said the boat was owned by a certain Abdul Baki and skippered by Orlando Chugabia. He said the naval patrol boat DF322 spotted the watercraft heading toward the shore.

During a search operation, the Navy men discovered 8,000 sacks of rice, each sack weighing 25 kilos, aboard the Indah Jehan.

The shipment and the boat were turned-over yesterday to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper documentation and filing of charges.

Millan said the recent apprehension was part of an intensified maritime security operation of NFWM to help the BOC curb rice smuggling in this city.