The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and government security forces dismantled a series of smuggling networks in Western Mindanao in a coordinated 24-hour blitz, seizing illicit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment valued at ₱634.9 million.

In a statement, the BOC said the crackdown, which spanned from the Celebes Sea to the Zamboanga Economic Zone, was one of the bureaqu’s biggest enforcement actions following President Marcos’ order to intensify border protection and disrupt the financial lifelines of smuggling syndicates operating in the region.

According to the BOC, the enforcement began on Feb. 24, when customs intelligence flagged a bulk carrier for suspicious ship-siding activities in the Celebes Sea.

Working with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Navy’s Western Mindanao Naval Command, authorities intercepted the vessel, identified as the Sun Voyage, approximately 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port in Sultan Kudarat.

A subsequent inspection revealed 3,000 master cases of illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱367.2 million. The crew failed to present any documentation proving lawful importation or payment of duties.

Simultaneously, investigators targeted an industrial site within the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in Barangay Talisayan.

Acting on leads from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, customs officials served a Letter of Authority at a warehouse suspected of housing a clandestine manufacturing hub. The raid uncovered ₱170 million worth of dismantled cigarette-making, packing, and rolling machines, alongside industrial chemicals and raw materials.

Warehouse representatives were unable to produce proof of tax compliance, prompting authorities to seal the facility pending a full investigation into unauthorized production.

The enforcement surge continued into the night of Feb. 24, as operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Zamboanga inspected a cargo yard.

Officials grew suspicious of a shipment declared as "seaweed" due to its unusual weight. A physical examination uncovered 336 master cases of Black Hawk cigarettes concealed within sacks, valued at ₱41.126 million.

The following morning, on Feb. 25, the Philippine Navy intercepted the MB Skyblue, a motor banca operating in regional waters. The vessel was found transporting 459 master cases of Cannon-branded menthol and tobacco cigarettes worth ₱56.531 million.

Neither the cargo nor the vessel carried the required permits or proof of tax payment. Both the contraband and the vessel were turned over to the Port of Zamboanga for seizure proceedings.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the success of the multi-front operation relied on the “heightened vigilance and coordinated execution” of the BOC Intelligence Group and its military partners.

He noted that the simultaneous disruption of sea routes, freeport facilities, and cargo channels has significantly hampered smuggling logistics in the region.

“This week-long series of operations highlights the Bureau of Customs’ improved coordination in shutting down smuggling attempts across multiple fronts,” Nepomuceno said.

He added that the bureau would continue to expand its intelligence-based operations to ensure that illicit trade is met with swift enforcement to protect public welfare and maintain fair competition for legitimate businesses.