A motorized banca loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P30 million was intercepted in the waters of Davao Gulf evening on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Troops of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) were conducting maritime patrol when the vessel was spotted at 3.2 nautical miles north east off East Pt. of Samal Island.
NFEM said the vessel was allegedly transporting around 800 boxes of alleged illicit cigarettes from Jolo, Sulu to Panabo, Davao del Norte.
The vessel has 11 crew members on board.
The boat’s captain reportedly failed to present legal documents for the cargo.
NFEM has turned over the seized items, the boat, and crew members to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and local police.
