Navy, police seize P99-M smuggled cigarettes in Sulu operations

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted two vessels carrying undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes worth nearly P94 million during separate maritime interdiction operations in Sulu on Thursday, June 18, while police forces confiscated an additional P5 million worth of contraband in Jolo two days earlier.

Naval Task Force 61, with its operating units, intercepted M/B Aslinda southeast of Cabucan Island, Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu where authorities discovered 305 master cases of foreign-brand cigarettes. The crew failed to present valid cargo and vessel documents, leading to the seizure of the vessel and its cargo valued at P47,578,152.

READ: Navy, police seize P99M smuggled cigarettes in Sulu operations

In a separate operation southwest of Marungas Island, Jolo, naval forces intercepted M/V Babyboy. A Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation uncovered 300 master cases of undocumented cigarettes concealed beneath other cargo. The vessel and its crew were escorted to Zamboanga City, with the contraband and vessel valued at P46,317,446.

The combined seizures amounted to P93,895,598. All vessels, cargo, and apprehended personnel were turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Port of Zamboanga for legal action and disposition.

WMNC said that the operations reflect its continuing campaign against maritime smuggling and its commitment to enforcing customs and maritime laws along the southern borders.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) reported that a mobile patrol operation in Jolo on Tuesday night, June 16, led to the confiscation of P4,995,000 worth of assorted smuggled cigarettes.

At around 10:40 p.m., personnel of the Jolo Municipal Police Station spotted three abandoned vehicles along Lagundi Road, Zone 3, Barangay Tulay. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 135 boxes of contraband cigarettes believed to have been illegally transported into the province. No individual claimed ownership of the vehicles or cargo.

Police Brigadier General Dennis Esguerra, Acting Regional Director of PRO 9, commended the alertness of the operating personnel, stressing that proactive patrols remain vital in suppressing smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

“This accomplishment highlights the importance of continuous police visibility and vigilance in preventing unlawful activities. PRO 9 remains committed to supporting the government’s efforts against smuggling and protecting our communities from criminal enterprises that undermine economic stability and public welfare,” Esguerra said.

Authorities assured the public that their campaign against smuggling, illegal trade, and criminality will remain relentless. /jpv