Over P41-M smuggled cigarettes seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Naval and maritime police operatives seized a combined total of over P41 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes in two separate operations on Sunday in waters off Basilan and Zamboanga City.

The operations targeted smuggling activities across the Western Mindanao maritime domain.

Reports said that the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motorboat off the coast of Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan carrying nearly P28 million worth of illicit cigarettes.

WMNC Commander Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr. said that Naval Task Force 61 was conducting routine maritime security operations near the Amoyloi Reefs when they spotted a suspicious watercraft traveling from Sulu to Zamboanga City.

Upon inspection, the Navy boarding team found numerous master cases of imported cigarettes on board. The crew members failed to provide any importation documents for the cargo.

Reyes specified that the motorboat carried 484 master cases, 32 reams, and 129 packs of Bravo Red cigarettes, with an estimated total market value of P27,783,962.

The entire cargo was transported to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for inventory and scheduled turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

“This interception underscores our continued commitment to protecting maritime borders and combating illegal smuggling activities,” Reyes said.

Separately on Sunday, operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group intercepted a motorized boat near Manalipa Island, off the coast of Zamboanga City, loaded with 210 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at P14 million.

Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) director Brig. Gen. Eleazar P. Matta confirmed that the inspection revealed a large stock of imported cigarettes. The cargo included 118 master cases of the Cannon brand, 33 of Modern, 45 of Green Hill, and 14 of Astro brands.

The six male crew members, identified as residents of Jolo and Hji. Panglima Tahil, Sulu, failed to provide the necessary documentation.

The suspects are currently detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 4 pending inquest proceedings. The seized cigarettes and the motorized boat will also be turned over to the local BoC for proper disposition.

“We will remain steadfast and vigilant, ensuring that law enforcement presence is felt across all entry points,” Matta said. “Our priority is to protect the public interest, uphold the law, and maintain security across our maritime domain.”