Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Multi-Role Response Vessel 4408 (BRP Cape San Agustin), together with personnel from the Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao, intercepted a total of 22,000 packs of smuggled rice onboard two vessels off Tamuk Island, Basilan last Friday, 24 August 2018.

While conducting Maritime Patrol at around 4:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., two vessels, M/L “Overseas” and M/L “Nadeepa” were found loaded with bags of smuggled rice, 10,000 and 12,000 packs respectively, without any pertinent documents.

Both vessels were immediately apprehended and escorted to Zamboanga City Port for proper turnover to the local Bureau of Customs officials for proper disposition. (Photos from the Philippine Coast Guard)

p: wjg