World · Philippines Bureau
Authorities seize four containers of suspected smuggled cigarettes at illegal Zambales pier
The Philippine Coast Guard discovered four containers of contraband cigarettes at an illegally constructed pier in Zambales that has been operating despite a cease-and-desist order. The seizure highlights ongoing smuggling concerns at unauthorized maritime facilities in the province.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Authorities have seized four containers of suspected smuggled cigarettes discovered at an unauthorized pier in Palauig, Zambales, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Zambales Station. The containers were offloaded at BNB Pier in Sitio Iba by an unidentified vessel, the PCG confirmed Wednesday.
The pier where the contraband was found has been operating under a cease-and-desist order since 2022, making the facility illegal and unauthorized for commercial operations. The discovery underscores the continued vulnerability of Zambales' coastal areas to smuggling activities and the challenges authorities face in preventing illicit maritime trade.
The PCG did not immediately disclose details regarding the estimated value of the seized cigarettes or the origin of the vessel involved in the smuggling operation. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to identify those responsible for orchestrating the illegal importation and determine the intended distribution network for the contraband goods.