PH Navy: Over P500M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Western Mindanao

Over P526 million worth of illicit foreign-brand cigarettes were seized after the Philippine Navy recently foiled two separate smuggling attempts in Western Mindanao.

The Philippine Navy said 21 individuals were arrested in the two operations conducted on May 13 and May 15.

“Operating under Naval Task Force 61, naval forces successfully intercepted two motorboats carrying a combined total of over P526 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes,” it said in a statement.

“The operations led to the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of approximately 3,916 master cases of illicit tobacco products intended for distribution across mainland Mindanao.”

The first operation occurred on May 13, when a naval ship intercepted a motor banca during a routine maritime patrol.

Authorities discovered 2,519 master cases of smuggled cigarettes on board. The boat’s captain and crew were unable to provide the required documentation.

On May 15, authorities intercepted a second motor banca. It was caught carrying around 1,400 master cases of smuggled cigarettes from Tawi-Tawi, the Navy added.

The total value of the seized goods from the operations is estimated to be around P526,299,880.

The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Port of Zamboanga, for proper disposition.

All apprehended individuals were informed of their rights and are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 12022 and other relevant laws on illegal importation, the Philippine Navy added. — JMA, GMA News