The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P44 million off Pantukan, Davao de Oro.

NFEM personnel were on routine maritime patrol when they intercepted a boat suspected of carrying illegal cargo covered with canvas about three nautical miles northwest of Pantukan.

During inspection, authorities discovered at least 1,118 boxes of undocumented cigarettes, which violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 (RA 10863) in relation to the Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Leaf Tobacco and Tobacco Products under Executive Order No. 245.

The vessel had 13 crew members on board. The master reportedly told authorities that the cigarettes came from Jolo, Sulu and were intended to be transferred to small motor bancas for distribution to towns nearby.

The boat and the items seized were turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“This successful operation underscores NFEM’s continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime domain and enforcing laws against smuggling and other illegal maritime activities,” NFEM said.