P4 million smuggled cigarettes confiscated off Davao Occidental

MANILA, Philippines — Personnel of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao on board the BRP Artemio Ricarte seized a motorized boat, which was found to be carrying around P4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, in the waters off Balut Island in Davao Occidental on Jan. 3.

At least 100 boxes of Gajah Baru cigarettes were seized. Three persons on board the motorized boat Patay Sapa were arrested.

During interrogation, the crewmembers said the boat came from Indonesia and was bound for Maasim, Sarangani.

The arrested crewmembers underwent medical checkup upon arrival at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan district in Davao City.

Initial investigation showed the boat captain is Indonesian while the two crewmembers are Filipinos.