Philippine authorities intercept smuggled cigarettes and investigate massive drug shipment attempt

The Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) conducted a series of anti-smuggling operations between October 9 and 27, 2026, resulting in the seizure of three vessels and undocumented cigarettes. In two specific interceptions off Zamboanga Sibugay, naval personnel seized the M/B Nylanra and the M/B Sparrow. The combined value of these two vessels and their cargoes of approximately 700 master cases of cigarettes is estimated at ₱105.4 million.

Separately, a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing addressed an attempted shipment of suspected shabu from Laos to the Philippines valued at ₱3.54 billion. Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Mendoza testified that she believed the cargo consisted only of vapes and cigarettes when she assisted in locating a chartered aircraft for the shipment. Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed skepticism regarding the scale of the shipment and recommended the preventive suspension of Police Colonel Joanna Zarcilla pending further investigation into potential collusion.