Phl Navy seizes contraband cigars aboard boat off South Cotabato

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao of the Philippine Navy on Thursday said it has apprehended a boat transporting smuggled cigarettes in the seawaters of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato. 

The PN's BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37), under the operational control of Naval Task Force 71, was conducting territorial defense operations in the southern waters of Eastern Mindanao when it encountered the watercraft last 3 December.  

The PS37 radio challenged the watercraft but the latter was unresponsive. 

The boat instead increased its speed and altered its course, resulting in its interception. 

Upon investigation, the PN discovered that the boat carried more or less 527 master cases of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated street value of P8 million. 

One of the crew was an undocumented Malaysian national. An unlicensed firearm was also confiscated.

The PS37 escorted the boat, along with its six Filipino crew. They were presented to Capt. Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City for proper disposition to authorities. 

Upon arrival, the Camp Panacan Hospital medical team administered a health checkup of the apprehended boat crew members. 

The confiscated smuggled items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs District Collection XI "for safekeeping while the watercraft was kept at IGACOS Ferry Wharf."