Authorities have confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P474 million in Western Mindanao.

According to the Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM), four vessels allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes were intercepted in separate operations across the region.

On Monday, July 6, 2026, a vessel was intercepted off Tongkil Island in Sulu. During inspection, authorities seized around 3,068 master cases and 29 reams of undocumented cigarettes worth more than P474 million.

NCWM said the vessel and four crew members were brought to the Port of Zamboanga, and the crew members were turned over to authorities.

Authorities added that three other operations were conducted from June 23 to July 5, 2026 in the waters of Maguindanao del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Sulu, which disrupted the activities of smuggling groups and strengthened the government’s efforts to curb the illegal entry of untaxed goods in Western Mindanao.

WMNC commander Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. lauded the Naval Task Force 61 operating units for the successful operation.

He also said that NWCM will continue to intensify maritime security operations to protect the country’s maritime borders, prevent illegal activities, and counter transnational crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.