NASUGBU, Batangas – AT least three (3) more undocumented private yachts were uncovered by operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in an operation conducted parallel to the on-going investigation of illegal drug smuggling in the country.
The undocumented yachts were found anchored in a private resort in Nasugbu and believed to be being used in the illegal drug trade, authorities said.
It can be recalled that a bulk of illegal drug shipment valued approximately at PhP9.68 billion were intercepted at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on April 15, 2024. Subsequent investigations by the BOC revealed that said illegal drugs were shipped to the country and were transferred to private yachts which carried them to the islands or areas with shallow waters where big ships cannot dock in.
Proper charges of violation of Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act” will be filed against the oweners of said yachts, law enforcement men said.
The subject private yachts were now turned over to the POM Auction and Cargo Disposal Division pursuant to Customs Administrative Order No. 10-2020 “Seizure and Forfeiture Proceedings and Appeals Process.”|
