Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) seized a boatload of smuggled cigarettes in the waters off Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur on Wednesday.
According to an NFEM news release, a team was dispatched to verify the presence of a high-speed vessel, locally known as a jungkong, reported to be potentially carrying contraband.
Navy personnel intercepted and boarded M/L Fatima Shakira for inspection.
The search uncovered boxes of foreign-brand cigarettes without the necessary documentation. The vessel, owned by Alsamer M. Jafaar of Lantawan, Basilan, was manned by 12 crew members led by boat master Nurhan Sabtula.
‘During questioning, the vessel’s master admitted that the contraband originated from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was bound for Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur,’ NFEM said.
BOC personnel unload boxes of smuggled cigarettes from an intercepted jungkong. PHOTO FROM NFEM
The vessel was brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City, where Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel inspected M/L Fatima Shakira and unloaded the smuggled cigarettes, totaling 1,107 boxes with an estimated value of P43.5 million.
Personnel from the Seaport Interdiction Unit of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, assisted by sniffer dogs, conducted a further inspection of the cargo for possible illegal drugs concealed in the contraband.
The vessel and the seized cigarettes were turned over to the BOC.
‘This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to enforcing maritime laws and preventing transnational crimes within our maritime borders,’ NFEM said. /mcm