ZAMBOANGA CITY — In one of the biggest contraband hauls intercepted by the Philippine Navy in recent years, naval personnel seized two vessels carrying a combined total of around 5,500 master cases of undocumented imported cigarettes—estimated to be worth P528 million—in separate maritime operations in Basilan and the Sulu Sea.
According to the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), the first operation involved the interception of ML Adilyn near Sibago Island, Basilan. Aboard the vessel, Navy operatives discovered 3,000 cartons of imported cigarettes without any legal documents required for transport and trade.
In a separate operation in the Sulu Sea, naval forces intercepted ML ASB Express, which was found carrying 2,500 cartons of undocumented imported cigarettes. Both vessels were immediately escorted to the WMNC headquarters in Zamboanga City for inventory and further investigation.
As of December 7, 2025, Navy personnel are currently accounting and documenting the seized items at Majini Pier.
WMNC officials said the operations highlight the Navy’s intensified campaign against large-scale smuggling activities in Western Mindanao—an area long plagued by illicit maritime trade. They stressed that these efforts are crucial in protecting national sovereignty, securing the country’s borders, and safeguarding government revenues from massive tax losses.
Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the smuggled goods and identify the individuals and groups responsible for transporting the contraband.