The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intercepted three crew members aboard a “junkong” type motorbanca used in smuggling cigarettes with an approximate market value of Php 1.5 million (including the motorbanca) at vicinity waters between Bangas Island and Jolo Island, Sulu at around 08:30 p.m. on 15 December 2020.

The interception occurred during the regular coastal security patrol of the Coast Guard Station Sulu. Upon inspection, PCG personnel discovered several master cases of smuggled cigarettes wrapped in canvass for concealment.

Due to the crew's failure to present proper documents, the PCG confiscated said contraband that were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Jolo for proper inventory and further investigation.

The PCG and BOC work hand in hand in enhancing border control to prevent customs fraud, smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal activities within the country’s waters.