Military seizes smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga checkpoint

January 29, 2020

The military seized smuggled Malaysian cigarettes during a checkpoint in Zamboanga City on Tuesday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the troops of Alpha Company, Army's 74th Infantry Battalion were conducting checkpoint when they seized three boxes of smuggled cigarettes in Baliwasan Seaside at 10:30am.

Encinas said the smuggled cigarettes were loaded in a white multicab driven by a certain Christopher Asibedo.

"Military troops turned over the seized items to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition," he said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander, said the government forces are bolstering its operations as part of its effort in curbing lawless activities within its area.

“Smuggling impedes trade and economic growth, hence, such activity must not be tolerated and must be totally eradicated," said Sobejana. Robina Asido/DMS