Manila, April 23 -- The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) reported the seizure of PHP22.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from April 1 to 19.

This complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ramp up the crackdown against smuggling and other forms of organized crime, especially in key maritime areas across the country, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a news release Wednesday.

Marbil said the MG has seized 317 cases, 27,474 packs, 3,168 reams and three boxes of smuggled cigarettes in various operations during the month, reflecting its strengthened maritime patrols and continued vigilance against illegal trade.

He said the operations also resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals invo...