MANILA, Philippines — A motorboat carrying an estimated P2.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off the waters of Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City was seized, Customs said Tuesday.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Zamboanga, along with the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (Seaborne) of the Police Regional Office 9, conducted the operation after spotting suspicious maritime activity near the island.

Police and Customs personnel said the crew failed to show importation or transport documents for the cargo, which raised suspicions of smuggling.

A joint inspection confirmed the motorboat was carrying 50 master cases and 23 reams of Bravo-brand cigarettes. Authorities also valued the seized vessel at around P150,000.

The contraband was turned over to the BOC and placed in a rented warehouse under guard, pending legal proceedings. The individuals on board are currently detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 11.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the agency is stepping up efforts to curb cigarette smuggling.

“The fight against cigarette smuggling remains a top priority for the Bureau. We are intensifying our operations to dismantle illicit networks that undermine public health and lawful commerce,” Rubio said.