Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P94 million in separate operations in the waters of Sulu.

According to the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), its Naval Task Force 61 and its operating units intercepted two vessels carrying undocumented foreign cigarettes on June 18, 2026.

WMNC said the first vessel was intercepted southeast of Cabucan Island in Hadji Panglima Tahil town.

It was loaded with around 305 master cases of undocumented foreign brand cigarettes.

The crew members reportedly failed to present the required documents for the cargo.

Authorities said the vessel and the items are worth more than P47.5 million.

Meanwhile, another vessel was intercepted southwest of Marungas Island in Jolo town in a separate operation.

During the operation, naval personnel confiscated around 300 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes concealed beneath other cargo.

The vessel and the items have an estimated value of P46.3 million.

All seized items and vessels and crew members arrested were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate legal action.

“The operations form part of WMNC's continuing efforts to prevent maritime smuggling and other illegal activities within its area of responsibility and to support the enforcement of customs and maritime laws in the southern maritime borders,” WMNC said.