While conducting coastal security patrol, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intercepted motor launch, ML FAIDA and its nine ship crew, for the absence of a boat captain and vessel safety certificate issued by the PCG, as well as the presence of a total of 39 master cases of smuggled cigarettes upon inspection at vicinity waters off Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu at around 04:30 p.m. last 17 November 2020.

Immediately, the coastal security patrol team informed the PCG Station in Sulu and coordinated the apprehension of said vessel at the Port of Jolo.

The team, together with the intercepted vessel, arrived at said port at around 07:00 p.m. where the Bureau of Customs (BOC) provided further assistance, specifically in conducting appropriate inventory and proper disposition of the smuggled goods.

The PCG and BOC work hand in hand in enhancing border control to prevent, if not eradicate, customs fraud, smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal activities within the country’s waters.