Philippine Navy seizes P13.8-M smuggled cigarettes

DAVAO CITY- Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 11 intercepted P13.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in the sea water within the vicinity of Barangay Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte on Sunday evening, July 9.

NFEM reported that the Naval Task Force 71 of NFEM through BA492 of 4th Boat Attack Division and Naval Special Operations Unit 7 together with BOC conducted a Joint Law Enforcement Operation against smuggling activities which resulted in the apprehension of a Jungkung vessel,FB ALYASRA-2 loaded with smuggled cigarettes.

The vessel was discovered to be transporting a total of 468 master cases of canon brand smuggled cigarettes with a street value of P13,806,000. As per initial report, the goods were transported from Sulu and allegedly intended to dock in this city before it was intercepted by the authorities.

The said vessel was brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan this city for temporary custody, while its 10 crew members were taken to Camp Panacan Hospital for their medical check-ups. 

The results declared that they were in good condition and were not harmed during the apprehension. 

The crew, vessel, and confiscated items had been turned over to BOC Davao for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

Photos from NFEM