A TOTAL of P3.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized by the joint inter-agency maritime operation from a motorized vessel carrying contraband in the coastal waters of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
The operation, executed on Monday, May 18, 2026, was spearheaded by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in coordination with the Sarangani Maritime Police Station, Bureau of Customs, the Regional Intelligence Division XI, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XI.
Maritime operatives flagged down the motorized banca, identified as M/B Bahitrah, after monitoring its “suspicious movements.”
According to the report authorized by NFEM commander Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, the vessel actively attempted to evade government forces before being cornered and boarded by law enforcement personnel.
A subsequent onboard inspection revealed a haul of 228 boxes of undocumented cigarettes bearing the brand name Gajah Baru.
The total street value of the confiscated contraband is pegged at exactly ₱3,722,800.Three crew members aboard the vessel were immediately apprehended.
Authorities identified the suspects as Edwin, 57 years old, Adubert, 39 years old, and Roger, 47 years oldAll three individuals are listed as residents of General Santos City.
Following the interception, the suspects, the seized contraband, and the M/B Bahitrah were escorted to the NFEM headquarters in Panacan, Davao City.
The confiscated cigarettes and the motorized vessel have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and seizure proceedings.
Meanwhile, the three suspects are temporarily detained at the Sasa Police Station as prosecutors finalize the filing of smuggling and regulatory law violation charges.
