THE Naval Special Operations Unit 7 (NAVSOU7) of the Naval Task Force 71, under Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), intercepted P11 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Tibungco, Davao City, on February 10, 2025.
NFEM Lieutenant Commander Reynante Villela said the contraband was unloaded at the naval pier but abandoned by smugglers who fled upon spotting authorities. The operation was based on a tip from a concerned citizen about suspicious activity in the area.
Authorities seized 629 boxes of master cases and the motorized banca used in the smuggling attempt. The confiscated items were taken to Captain Feranil Pier at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Davao Region and the Commission on Audit-Davao Region (COA-Davao) for proper processing.
This seizure follows a larger operation on February 4, 2025, when NFEM intercepted over P43 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on Balut Island, Davao Occidental, leading to the arrest of seven individuals.
Authorities confiscated 1,013 master cases containing thousands of packs of illegal cigarettes valued at P43,729,770. DEF
