BRP Rafael Pargas (PC379), one of the Navy ships deployed at Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao , seized a motorized watercraft loaded with smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of more or less P2.5 million along the seawaters of Maitum, Sarangani Province, just the other day.
BRP Rafael Pargas (PC379), under the operational control of Naval Task Force 71, was conducting territorial defense operations along the RP-RI common borders when it intercepted a suspicious motorized watercraft.
As a result, approximately 114 master cases of undocumented tobacco products were intercepted and seized. It revealed that said smuggled tobacco products came from Jolo, Sulu intended to be delivered to Maitum, Sarangani Province.
The PDEA K9 Unit Region-XII and Bureau of Custom also conducted inspections for the possible presence of illegal drugs.
The apprehended crew, vessel, and confiscated items were turned over to custom authorities for filing of appropriate charges.
