MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a vessel carrying around 3,000 master cases of illegal cigarettes, valued at an estimated PHP180 million, in the Celebes Sea, officials said.

The bureau reported that a bulk carrier in the area was allegedly engaged in transferring cargo at sea. Authorities noted irregular maneuvers, prompting a joint anti-smuggling operation with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Navy – Western Mindanao Naval Command.

The vessel was apprehended about 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port in Sultan Kudarat. Inspection revealed the cigarettes lacked supporting documents for lawful importation.

The foreign crew, who were not identified, could not confirm the legitimacy of the cargo. The vessel was escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon on February 25 for official inventory and documentation.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s drive to curb illicit trade through strengthened maritime monitoring.

“The BOC has been consistent and unwavering in its fight against the illegal sale, manufacture, and distribution of illicit cigarettes,” Nepomuceno said.