P170.1 Million Worth of Imported Cigarettes Seized in Sulu Navy Operation

An anti-smuggling operation by the Philippine Navy has resulted in the seizure of imported cigarettes valued at P170.1 million. The successful seaborne operation took place a few miles off Parang town in Sulu province.

Officials from the Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) and the Western Mindanao Command confirmed the confiscation of 695 large boxes of Indonesian-made cigarettes. The estimated value of the contraband stands at P170.1 million. The operation received assistance from local government units in the neighboring provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

In addition to seizing the illegal merchandise, the Navy team also impounded the seacraft carrying the cigarettes. The crew members were detained and are currently undergoing interrogation. The vessel itself is estimated to be worth at least P1.5 million. The detained boatmen reportedly agreed to identify the smugglers who hired them for the transport.

The confiscated cigarettes have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. The Navy stated that the seacraft was towed to a seaside command post of the NCWM. The smugglers intended to deliver the contraband to contacts in seaside towns across the Zamboanga peninsula, Maguindanao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat.