MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized 350 master cases of smuggled imported cigarettes with an estimated street value of Php 14,974,750 in Zamboanga City, and arrested four individuals in connection with the shipment, the agency said.

The operation, conducted by the NBI’s Western Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-WEMRO), was launched following intelligence from the Philippine Navy-Western Mindanao Naval Command about a motorized watercraft, a “Jungkong” named NURSHAIMA, intercepted off the coast of Zamboanga City.

Those arrested were identified as Marlon Pulaon y Sallih, Jamar Sallih y Mohammad, Abner Jubail y Sallih, and Alfaik Sammy u Ladja. They were part of the vessel’s crew and failed to present the required transport documents or import clearances from regulatory agencies.

The vessel and its cargo were seized, and criminal charges were filed against the four for violating Sections 7(a) and 7(g) of Republic Act No. 12022, which penalizes unauthorized importation and transportation of regulated products.

Acting Director Atty. Angelito DLP Magno emphasized the NBI’s commitment to combating smuggling. “The NBI remains relentless in its commitment to dismantling smuggling syndicates nationwide. These illegal activities severely undermine the local economies by distorting market prices. It cripples and reduces revenue of the government and fosters a climate of corruption. Hence, the Bureau will continue to prioritize the suppression of these kinds of illegal activities,” he said.