The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a vessel carrying approximately 3,000 master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at an estimated P180 million in the Celebes Sea on 24 February.

The operation stemmed from BOC intelligence reports on suspicious movements of a bulk carrier in the area that was allegedly transferring cargo at sea. The unusual maneuvers prompted close monitoring and coordination with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Navy for a joint anti-smuggling operation.

The vessel was later identified and apprehended about 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port in Sultan Kudarat. Authorities boarded and inspected the ship, discovering thousands of master cases of cigarettes without supporting importation documents. The vessel’s foreign crew was reportedly unable to confirm the legitimacy of the cargo.

Initial inventory and assessment placed the value of the seized products at no less than P180 million.

Following the discovery of the suspected illicit cigarettes, the apprehending team observed procedures under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The vessel was escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon under the Western Mindanao Naval Command, where it arrived on 25 February for official inventory and documentation of the seized cargo.

“The BOC has been consistent and unwavering in its fight against the illegal sale, manufacture, and distribution of illicit cigarettes. We will continue to intensify our operations, not only because they fall under our mandate, but also as a clear warning: our country has no room for these unlawful activities. We will not allow illicit trade to infiltrate our borders at the expense of the welfare of the Filipino people and legitimate businesses," said Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s firm stance against illicit tobacco trade.

The BOC said it has strengthened maritime monitoring and enforcement measures to dismantle smuggling networks and safeguard the country’s borders.