ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) dealt a major blow to the illegal cigarette trade after its forces intercepted nearly ₱93.9 million worth of smuggled foreign cigarettes and two vessels during separate maritime operations in the waters of Sulu on June 18, 2026.
According to a report from the WMNC, personnel of Naval Task Force 61 (NTF 61) successfully conducted two anti-smuggling operations that resulted in the seizure of hundreds of master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes being transported aboard two separate vessels.
The first operation took place in the southeastern waters of Cabucan Island, Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu, where naval operatives intercepted the motorized boat M/B Aslinda. Upon inspection, authorities discovered approximately 305 master cases of foreign cigarettes that lacked the necessary shipping and customs documentation.
The vessel’s crew reportedly failed to present valid documents covering both the cargo and the vessel itself, prompting authorities to immediately arrest the crew members and seize the boat. The confiscated cigarettes and vessel were estimated to have a combined value of ₱47.58 million.
In a separate operation on the same day, naval personnel conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation on M/V Babyboy in the southwestern waters of Marungas Island, Jolo, Sulu.
During the inspection, authorities uncovered approximately 300 master cases of undocumented foreign cigarettes concealed beneath other cargoes. The seized contraband and vessel were valued at around ₱46.32 million.
Following the operation, the vessel and its crew were escorted to Zamboanga City for further investigation and processing.
Combined, the two operations resulted in the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes and vessels worth a total of ₱93,895,598, making it one of the largest anti-smuggling seizures conducted in the region this year.
All confiscated evidence, including the smuggled cigarettes and the vessels used in the alleged illegal activities, as well as the arrested crew members, have been formally turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, investigation, and the filing of appropriate charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The WMNC emphasized that the successful operations underscore the military’s continuing efforts to combat smuggling and other unlawful maritime activities across the country’s southern waters.
Naval authorities said the campaign forms part of broader initiatives to strengthen maritime security, protect government revenues, and safeguard the country’s maritime borders from transnational crimes and illicit trade.
Officials vowed to sustain intensified patrols and intelligence-driven operations in key maritime corridors across the Southern Philippines to prevent the entry and distribution of smuggled goods and ensure compliance with customs and trade regulations.