A Navy patrol intercepted a motorized banca off the coast of Dumoy Point in Davao City, seizing ₱20 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a routine maritime operation.
The BRP Herminigildo Yurong, under Naval Task Force 71 of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), detected the suspicious vessel on June 7 while it was offloading boxes near the shoreline.
A boarding team was immediately deployed to inspect the boat, identified as M/B Sharefa. Authorities found around 800 master cases of undocumented cigarettes onboard.
Following the inspection, the vessel was secured and extracted from shallow waters. It was then escorted to Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City, with assistance from Naval Special Operations Unit 7.
On June 8, upon arrival at Captain Feranil Pier, the seized contraband and the vessel were officially turned over to the proper authorities for investigation and legal proceedings.
The Navy has not released details regarding any arrests or suspects involved in the smuggling attempt.
Officials continue to monitor coastal areas amid efforts to prevent the illegal entry of contraband goods into the region.
