ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy’s Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) has confiscated nearly ₱40 million worth of smuggled cigarettes following three separate maritime interdiction operations conducted in the waters of Basilan and Zamboanga City this December, dealing a major blow to illegal cross-border trade in the region.
In a statement, WMNC said the operations were carried out on December 9, 12, and 14, resulting in the interception of three motorized vessels transporting large volumes of foreign-brand cigarette products without proper documentation.
The first seizure took place on December 9 near Kaulauanauan Island, Basilan, where naval forces apprehended a vessel carrying 100 master cases of San Marino cigarettes and 20 master cases of Cannon cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱7.03 million.
A second interdiction followed on December 12 in the waters off Recodo, Zamboanga City, after personnel spotted a junkong-type vessel operating without navigational lights, a violation of maritime safety regulations. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 41 master cases of Cannon, 48 of Green Hill, and 48 of Fort Black cigarettes, collectively valued at ₱2.96 million.
The largest haul was recorded on December 14 near Tolonpisa Island, Basilan, where naval units seized 519 master cases and 12 reams of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes, along with the fishing banca used to transport the contraband. The total estimated value of the seizure reached ₱29.9 million, bringing the combined value of all confiscated goods to approximately ₱39.89 million.
All seized cigarettes, vessels, and crew members were immediately turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation–Western Mindanao Regional Office 9 for proper disposition and further investigation.
WMNC stressed that the successful operations underscore its heightened vigilance against maritime smuggling, which deprives the government of revenue and fuels other criminal activities. The command reiterated its commitment to securing coastal areas, protecting territorial waters, and enforcing the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, particularly in smuggling-prone corridors in Western Mindanao.
Authorities warned that maritime patrols and interdiction efforts will continue to intensify as the Navy works closely with partner agencies to curb illicit trade and strengthen national security in the region.