Navy seizes P43.5M smuggled cigarettes off Davao del Sur

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) intercepted a Jungkong-type watercraft loaded with P43.5 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes in the waters of Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on November 5, 2025.

According to a report by the NFEM, a SEAL Team from NSWU7 and BA491 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division were deployed to intercept the vessel suspected of conducting illegal activities in the area.

The responding naval units carried out a maritime law enforcement and interdiction operation targeting the watercraft. Upon reaching the location, the teams spotted M/L Fatima Shakira sailing in the vicinity.

The SEAL Team conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) on the vessel after it failed to respond to radio challenges issued by naval assets.

An inspection revealed that M/L Fatima Shakira is owned by Alsamer M. Jafaar of Lantawan, Basilan, and manned by 12 Filipino crew members led by Master Nurhan Sabtula. The vessel carried 1,107 boxes of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes.

The NFEM report noted that the shipment violates Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, in relation to Executive Order No. 245 governing the exportation and importation of tobacco products.

During questioning, the vessel’s master admitted that the contraband originated from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was intended for distribution in Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Following protocol, a prize crew was placed aboard M/L Fatima Shakira, which was escorted to Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City.

Upon arrival, Bureau of Customs personnel inspected and unloaded the cargo. Officers from the PDEA-XI Seaport Interdiction Unit, assisted by K9 units, also checked the shipment for possible concealed illegal drugs.

The watercraft and seized cigarettes were then turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and investigation.

The NFEM said the operation underscores its commitment to enforcing maritime laws and preventing transnational smuggling activities within Philippine waters.