PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- Camp General Artemio Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – Joint law enforcement forces of the AFP Western Command’s (WESCOM) Naval Forces West, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a Joint Counteraction Operation (JCAO) on June 4, Sunday, against a suspected individual who was transporting drums of smuggled diesel fuel onboard a motor launch boat.

The operation was conducted in the vicinity of Abanico Yacht Club, Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.

According to authorities, the suspect identified as Mr. Mitra J. Tanjalani, was nabbed for carrying onboard his motor launch boat, ML KR Express, approximately 40 drums of smuggled diesel fuel. Also seized are the suspect’s motor launch boat and a compressor.

The estimated market value of the confiscated items is P3.7M. The seized contraband, along with the other confiscated items, was turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition while the suspect, Mr. Tanjalani is now under the custody of the PCG in Puerto Princesa City.

“Fuel smuggling can have serious consequences for a country’s economy, environment, and society. It is important to take action to combat this illegal activity,” explained the WESCOM Chief, Vice Admiral Carlos PN, while assuring that WESCOM will continue to provide law enforcement support operations to guarantee peace and order in the Western frontier. (WESCOM)