Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) – The Philippine Navy (PN) said it intercepted a motor launch vessel carrying undocumented petroleum products in the waters of Sulu on Saturday.

“The Navy elements successfully intercepted ML Anne Nur within the vicinity seawaters of Tulian Island, Indanan, Sulu, with nine crews onboard,” the PN said.

Authorities reported that 404 drums of XCS and 43 drums of automotive diesel fuel were seized during the operations.

Western Mindanao Naval Forces and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga said the seized items from the vessel ML Anne Nur have an estimated market value of ₱9.6 million.

“The confiscated items and the apprehended individuals were turned over to BOC Zamboanga for custody and proper case disposition,” the Navy added.

Following the incident, the Naval Forces also calls to strengthen maritime operations of against illegal trade in the waters of Western Mindanao.

READ: Authorities seize 850k liters of smuggled fuel in Batangas