MANILA — The Philippine Navy has intercepted more than PHP100 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during separate operations in Western Mindanao from May 23 to 24.

In a statement, the Naval Command Western Mindanao said its forces intercepted two vessels identified as FB Sea Dragon and MPB Sea Horse near Tongkil Island in Sulu on May 23.

Authorities confiscated 282 cases of undocumented cigarettes valued at PHP42.7 million during the operation.

The following day, Navy personnel intercepted another vessel, MB Lappas, where they seized 473 master cases of allegedly smuggled foreign-branded cigarettes worth PHP70.9 million.

Navy personnel said the boarding, inspection, and verification showed that the cargoes had no required legal documents and permits.

All seized vessels and contraband were brought to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City for inventory and documentation before being turned over to the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Zamboanga for proper disposition.

The Philippine Navy Philippine Navy said the interdiction operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling activities in maritime routes in Western Mindanao.