P44 million smuggled cigarettes seized in Davao de Oro

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P44 million have been seized by members of the Philippine Navy in the waters off Pantukan town in Davao de Oro.

The contraband, which reportedly came from Jolo, Sulu, was found on board the motorized boat, Qaisar, which was intercepted by members of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao on Thursday.

Authorities said up to 1,118 large boxes of cigarettes made from Indonesia were found in the Qaisar.

The Navymen also arrested the boat’s 13 crewmembers who reportedly expressed willingness to identify people who paid them to transport the cigarettes.

The Qaisar was escorted toward the seaside headquarters of the NFEM in Panacan, Davao City where the contraband was unloaded.

The NFEM said the cigarettes would be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.