A joint maritime operation intercepted nearly P48 million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes and apprehended six people off Palawan, the Philippine National Police reported Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation was conducted on 27 September in waters off Barangay Inogbong in Bataraza by the PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Tobacco Institute and other law enforcement and intelligence units.

Authorities intercepted a motor launch allegedly carrying 38,041 reams of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of P47.93 million.

The vessel was also carrying about 900 liters of suspected smuggled diesel valued at approximately P106,200, according to the PNP.

Six people aboard the vessel were apprehended and brought to the appropriate police unit for investigation and documentation.

The motor launch and seized items were also placed under authorities’ custody.

“This operation shows what can be achieved when our agencies share information and act together. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa isang shipment; it is also about protecting legitimate businesses and making sure that our laws are properly enforced,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez said sustained coordination among government agencies was necessary to address illicit activities using maritime routes.

The PNP said enforcement operations would continue with other agencies, particularly in areas where sea routes may be used to transport illicit goods.

The seized cigarettes will undergo inventory and valuation, with the National Tobacco Administration expected to determine their final value.

The six apprehended individuals may face complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act 12022, Republic Act 10643, Presidential Decree 1865 and relevant provincial ordinances, subject to further investigation and prosecutorial proceedings.